The Discovery of DNA Structure and Its Implications

DNA

Nucleic acid storing genetic information across generations.

Bacteriophage

Virus specifically infecting bacterial cells.

Nucleotides

Building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA.

Covalent Bonds

Strong chemical bonds linking nucleotides in DNA.

A=T, C=G

Base pairing rules in DNA structure.

P-32

Radioactive isotope used to label DNA.

Rosalind Franklin

Scientist known for X-ray crystallography of DNA.

Watson and Crick

Developed the double helix model of DNA.

X-ray Crystallography

Technique used to determine molecular structures.

Maurice Wilkins

Collaborator who shared Franklin's data with Watson and Crick.

Double Helix

Structure of DNA with two intertwined strands.

Phosphorus in DNA

Essential element found in DNA, absent in proteins.

Sulfur in Proteins

Element present in proteins, not in DNA.

Tail Sheath

Part of bacteriophage aiding in bacterial infection.

Tail Fiber

Structure on bacteriophage for attachment to bacteria.

Base Composition

Percentage of nucleotide bases in DNA.

60%

Percentage of bases not adenine or thymine.

30%

Percentage of guanine and cytosine in DNA.

Genetic Information

Instructions for development and functioning of organisms.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules including DNA and RNA.

Protein Structure

Composed of amino acids, contains sulfur.

Bacterial Infection

Process by which bacteriophages infect bacteria.

Abstract Art Analogy

Comparison of DNA structure to artistic interpretation.

Molecular Model

Representation of molecular structure, like DNA.

DNA

Molecule carrying genetic information in living organisms.

James Watson

Co-discoverer of DNA structure, age 23 at Cambridge.

Francis Crick

Co-discoverer of DNA structure, physicist turned biologist.

Transforming Principle

Substance conveying traits between bacteria, identified by Avery.

Avery's Experiment

Showed DNA, not protein, carries genetic information.

Genetic Inheritance

Transmission of traits from one generation to another.

Biological Molecule

Molecule essential for life processes, like DNA.

Protein

Molecule performing various functions in cells.

Nucleotide

Building block of DNA, consisting of sugar, phosphate, base.

Double Helix

Structure of DNA, resembling a twisted ladder.

Base Pairing

Specific pairing of nucleotides in DNA structure.

Sugar-Phosphate Backbone

Structural framework of DNA, formed by sugars and phosphates.

Mutation

Change in DNA sequence affecting genetic information.

Cambridge University

Location where Watson and Crick conducted their research.

20th Century Discoveries

Major scientific breakthroughs, including DNA structure.

Inheritance Secrets

Mysteries of how traits are passed down generations.

Conscientious Students

Students who are diligent and responsible in their studies.

Early 20th Century

Period when significant advancements in biology occurred.

Scientific Collaboration

Working together on scientific research and ideas.

Bacterial Transformation

Process where bacteria take up foreign DNA.

DNA Digesting Enzymes

Enzymes that break down DNA molecules.

Genetic Code

Set of rules defining how DNA encodes proteins.

Biological Research

Scientific study of living organisms and their processes.

Monop Structure

Refers to the molecular structure of DNA.

Diffraction Pattern

Resulting image from X-ray interaction with molecules.

Morris Wilkins

Scientist known for DNA research contributions.

Rosalind Franklin

Key figure in DNA structure determination.

DNA Polymers

Long chains of nucleotides forming DNA.

X-ray Sources

Devices producing X-rays for imaging.

Gene Problem

Challenge of understanding genetic information.

Physical Chemist

Scientist specializing in the physical properties of molecules.

Collaboration

Joint effort between scientists for research.

Mathematical Modeling

Using mathematics to represent molecular structures.

Base Pairing

Specific pairing of nucleotide bases in DNA.

Phosphate Backbone

Structural component of DNA's molecular framework.

Sugar Molecule

Part of DNA structure, connects nucleotides.

Helical Structure

Twisted shape of the DNA molecule.

Scientific Community

Group of scientists collaborating and sharing knowledge.

Discovery Process

Steps taken to uncover scientific knowledge.

Research Urgency

Sense of importance in scientific investigation.

Personal Relationships

Interactions affecting scientific collaborations.

Embarrassment in Science

Public failure impacting scientific reputation.

Mistakes in Research

Errors that can lead to scientific breakthroughs.

1952 DNA Structure

Year when DNA's double helix was proposed.

Key Measurements

Critical data needed for scientific analysis.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, genetic information carrier.

Franklin's Photo 51

Key X-ray image revealing DNA's helical structure.

Double Helix

DNA structure with two intertwined strands.

Sugar-Phosphate Backbone

Outer structure of DNA, supports bases inside.

Base Pairing

Specific pairing of adenine with thymine, cytosine with guanine.

Chargaff's Rules

A=T and C=G ratios in DNA.

Watson and Crick

Scientists who proposed the double helix model.

Mutations

Changes in DNA sequence affecting genetic information.

Biological Stability

DNA's ability to maintain structure over time.

Biological Mutability

DNA's capacity to change and evolve.

X-ray Diffraction

Technique used to determine DNA structure.

Rosalind Franklin

Scientist who contributed to DNA structure understanding.

Francis Crick

Co-discoverer of DNA's double helix structure.

James Watson

Co-discoverer of DNA's double helix structure.

Chargaff's Data

Found consistent ratios of DNA bases across species.

DNA Bases

Adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine; building blocks of DNA.

Symmetry of DNA

Observation that DNA strands run in opposite directions.

Base Sequence

Order of nucleotide bases encoding genetic information.

Gene

Unit of heredity, segment of DNA coding for traits.

Biological Explanation

Understanding of life processes through DNA structure.

Research Impact

Discovery opened new fields in molecular biology.

DNA Replication

Process of copying DNA for cell division.

Genetic Information Storage

Encoded in the sequence of DNA bases.