DNA

The discovery of DNA stands as a monumental achievement in the

annals of scientific history, reshaping our understanding of genetics
and catalyzing a revolution in biology and medicine. This essay delves
into the captivating journey of unravelling the double helix structure of
DNA, exploring the key players involved, and examining the profound
implications of this groundbreaking discovery.

Although James Watson and Francis Crick have the most credit for the
discovery of DNA, scientists like Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins
made significant contributions through X-ray crystallography,
providing crucial insights into the structure of DNA. Watson and Crick's
collaborative efforts, fueled by data from Franklin and Wilkins
culminated in finding DNA's double helix structure, a feat that
revolutionised biology. DNA was first identified in the 1860s by a Swiss
chemist called Johann Friedrich Miescher. As with many biological
discoveries, this was done by accident. Johann initially set out to
discover components of white blood cells. Here, he noticed that when
acid was added to a solution of white blood cells, a substance
separated from the solution. This substance then redissolved with the
addition of alkali. Johann named the substance nuclein, as he believed
it came from the nucleus. Many additional experiments followed, and
his results were not published until 1874.

As the above paragraph suggests, a breakthrough at the time was X-ray

crystallography. It works with a purified sample at high concentration is
crystallised and the crystals are exposed to an x-ray beam. The
resulting diffraction patterns can then be processed, initially to yield
information about the crystal packing symmetry and the size of the
repeating unit that forms the crystal.

The discovery of DNA's double helix structure unveiled the blueprint for
all living organisms. This breakthrough not only revealed how genetic
information is passed from one generation to the next but also laid the
foundation for understanding heredity, evolution, and molecular
biology. The significance of this discovery reverberates across scientific
disciplines, fueling advancements in genetics, evolutionary biology, and
biotechnology.

The scandal associated with the discovery of DNA involved allegations

that James Watson and Francis Crick may have either stolen Rosalind
Franklin's data or failed to credit her adequately for her contributions
to uncovering the structure of DNA. This controversy stemmed from
claims that Watson and Crick relied significantly on Franklin's data
without proper acknowledgement. Additionally, the scandal highlighted
issues of sexism in science, as Franklin's pivotal role in the discovery was
not fully recognized during her lifetime. The controversy surrounding
the discovery of DNA raised questions about credit attribution, ethical
conduct in scientific research, and gender biases prevalent in the
scientific community.

The discovery of DNA stands as a pivotal moment in scientific history,

reshaping our understanding of genetics and propelling advancements
in biology and medicine. James Watson and Francis Crick, alongside
Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins, played crucial roles in
unravelling the double helix structure of DNA. Their collaborative
efforts, supported by X-ray crystallography, led to a groundbreaking
revelation that revolutionized biology.
Sources:

1. Educational Games Nobel Prize:

- "The discovery of the molecular structure of DNA - the double helix."

Educational Games Nobel Prize, 30 Sept. 2003,
https://educationalgames.nobelprize.org/educational/medicine/dna_d
ouble_helix/readmore.php.

2. Library of Congress - Sketch of the DNA Double Helix by Francis Crick:

- Crick, Francis. "Sketch of the DNA Double Helix by Francis Crick."

Library of Congress, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland, 1953, https://www.loc.gov/item/2021669916/.

3. Nature - Discovery of DNA Structure and Function: Watson and Crick:

- "Discovery of DNA Structure and Function: Watson and Crick."

Nature,
https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/discovery-of-dna-structure-
and-function-watson-397.

4. Nature - What Rosalind Franklin truly contributed to the discovery of

DNA:

- "What Rosalind Franklin truly contributed to the discovery of..."

Nature, https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01313-5.

5. NIH - X-Ray Crystallography:

- "X-Ray Crystallography": NIH, X-Ray Crystallography.

6. Front Line Genomics "DNA Discovery to Deciphering its Design":

- "DNA Discovery to Deciphering its Design": Front Line Genomics, DNA

Discovery to Deciphering its Design (frontlinegenomics.com).