DNA is the molecular structure of a body. This structure was identified and explained by scientists James Watson and Francis Crick. The discovery of DNA and identification of it’s structure was a major breakthrough in science. It explained a structure that can be applied to cells within the body. This information allowed medical scientists to develop treatments and tests based on this knowledge. The most famous experiment based on the use of DNA is perhaps the cloning of an animal. Dolly the Sheep is a clone, a molecular living copy.
How was it discovered?
Scientists had known that DNA must exist for some time but did not know the structure or how it worked. In 1951 the scientists James Watson and Francis Crick began a chemical study with the aim of identification of the structure of DNA. They experimented with molecule structures, chemical analysis and studied X Ray findings and previous molecular studies. In 1953 they published their findings. They had identified a structure that could be applied to all cells, the double helix.
How does knowing about it help doctors?
Understanding of the double helix structure of DNA allowed the genetic code to be understood. This was accomplished in the early 1960’s. This development has led to a number of medical advances: cloning of DNA has the potential to lead to a range of almost unbelievable operations becoming possible – think of the implications of the development of clones, it can lead to replacement body parts amongst other things. In 1982 genetically engineered insulin was produced as a result of the DNA breakthrough. This has been of great value to people with Diabetes.
DNA – other
There are many ethical issues surrounding potential uses of the knowledge that Crick, Watson and their colleagues have shared with the world. The potential to clone human genes was first achieved in 1977 – the same year that Luke 1977 was launched. Human gene cloning is now subject to extremely strict restrictions on ethical grounds. Genetic cloning as a result of these findings has resulted in clones animals being created. The first was ‘Dolly the Sheep’ who was born (if that’s the right word?) in 1996. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolly_the_sheep for further details.
Schoolshistory home – History teachers resources – Medical History Timelines – Liberal Reforms – Welfare State – The NHS – Alexander Fleming – Florey and Chain develop Penicillin – DNA and it’s impact on modern medicine
Medicine Through time – Resources for Medicine Through Time – Prehistoric Medicine – Ancient Egyptian Medicine – Ancient Greek Medicine – Medicine in the Roman Empire – Medieval Medicine – Renaissance Medicine – Public Health in the Industrial Revolution – Fight against infectious disease – Modern Medicine
