Life at molecular, cellular and tissue level:
DNA- The Code of Life
, History and Structure
of Nucleic Acids.
Introduction:
DNA is known as the code of life. It has the ability to store information that controls cellular
activity and growth of an entire organism.
Two nucleic acids found in cells are:
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
Discovery of the structure of DNA
In 1953 James Watson and fellow researcher Francis Crick analyzed x-ray diffractions
taken by Rosalind Franklin as well as Maurice Wilkins and others. Watson and Crick built
models of DNA structures in their labs and suggesting the now accepted first accurate
model of DNA.
There were unresolved questions about how DNA guides protein synthesis after the
discovery of the double helix structure.
In 1961, Francis Crick and Sydney Brenner showed that a triplet code (codon) is used to
read genetic material in DNA.
This information is then transferred from the nucleus to the cytoplasm via RNA, where
proteins are produced.
The demonstration by Crick and Brenner highlighted the concept of form following function
in DNA: DNA can replicate itself and also contain genetic instructions. DNA serving as a
code to store and transmit genetic information.
Rosalind passed away before any awards could be received. Watson, Crick and Wilkins
jointly obtain the Novel Prize in 1962 for Physiology/medicine.
DNA- The Code of Life
, History and Structure
of Nucleic Acids.
Introduction:
DNA is known as the code of life. It has the ability to store information that controls cellular
activity and growth of an entire organism.
Two nucleic acids found in cells are:
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
Discovery of the structure of DNA
In 1953 James Watson and fellow researcher Francis Crick analyzed x-ray diffractions
taken by Rosalind Franklin as well as Maurice Wilkins and others. Watson and Crick built
models of DNA structures in their labs and suggesting the now accepted first accurate
model of DNA.
There were unresolved questions about how DNA guides protein synthesis after the
discovery of the double helix structure.
In 1961, Francis Crick and Sydney Brenner showed that a triplet code (codon) is used to
read genetic material in DNA.
This information is then transferred from the nucleus to the cytoplasm via RNA, where
proteins are produced.
The demonstration by Crick and Brenner highlighted the concept of form following function
in DNA: DNA can replicate itself and also contain genetic instructions. DNA serving as a
code to store and transmit genetic information.
Rosalind passed away before any awards could be received. Watson, Crick and Wilkins
jointly obtain the Novel Prize in 1962 for Physiology/medicine.
