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What were the immediate reactions to Watson and Crick’s discovery?
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Their discovery was celebrated, though there was skepticism and rivalry from other scientists.
What role did Rosalind Franklin play in the discovery of DNA’s structure?
She was an expert in x-ray crystallography and took vital photographs that indicated the helical structure of DNA.
What were Erwin Chargaff's contributions to understanding DNA?
He discovered the base pairing rules: Adenine pairs with Thymine, and Cytosine pairs with Guanine.
How has DNA research impacted the potential future of human evolution?
It offers the potential to control human evolution and biological processes.
What were the backgrounds of Watson and Crick?
Watson was a 22-year-old junior researcher, and Crick was a 31-year-old with an unfinished Ph.D.
Who were the main competitors in the race to discover DNA’s structure?
Teams from Cambridge (Watson & Crick), Kings College London (Franklin & Wilkins), and Linus Pauling from the US.
Who were awarded the Nobel Prize for the discovery of DNA’s structure, and who was omitted?
Watson, Crick, and Wilkins received the Nobel Prize; Rosalind Franklin was not honored posthumously.
How does DNA function in living organisms?
It carries the blueprint of life and directs the growth and functioning of living organisms.
What are some modern applications of DNA research?
Insights into human development, brain function, and genetic disorders.
How did Watson and Crick develop their double helix model?
They focused on model-building based on minimal data and leveraged others' x-ray photography results.
What ethical and social impacts arose from the discovery of DNA?
There were debates on the use and control of genetic technology and the responsibility of scientists.
Who discovered DNA in 1953, and what was the impact?
James Watson and Francis Crick; it led to the genetic revolution and transformed science and technology.
How did advanced computer simulations enhance modern understanding of DNA?
They provide intricate details of DNA structure and function.
What are the four chemicals that make up the structure of DNA?
Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G).
What were some of Crick's subsequent research interests?
He studied the chemical nature of dreams and brain functions.
What central question did scientists seek to answer that led to the discovery of DNA?
What drives life and links all living things?
What was the significance of DNA's discovery in terms of human health?
It enabled control over human health and the potential to end inherited diseases.
Why did Watson and Crick focus on DNA rather than proteins?
They believed DNA's simplicity and potential script were key to understanding life's processes.
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