What does it mean to the scientific world to know the structure of DNA and what does the information provided by Watson and Crick about DNA means to us today?
Any help about Watson and Crick would also be useful.
2006-10-21 09:36:33 · 4 answers · asked by Link 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
To know the structure of DNA we can map out birth defects, diseases, the 'map' of being human. We can pinpoint areas of future problems, research areas for future medicine and genetic mapping.
DNA is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions for the biological development of a cellular form of life or a virus. All known cellular life and some viruses have DNAs. With that information we can focus on a future free of disease and viruses!
I think that Watson and Crick are only a few within the field trying to find the secrets of life. Because essentially that is what they are doing. It has ALWAYS been a human goal to extend and raise the standard of life. I don't think that within this lifetime we will see any results. But most definitely if the government does not impose unmitigated restrictions our children will see results. Recently though scientists have been moving their research outside of the United States for those restriction reasons alone. Other countries place no boundaries on what can be researched and directed. Science should have certain 'humanity' restrictions but if it means a better future for mankind then risks should be allowed to be taken.
2006-10-21 09:46:26 · answer #1 · answered by Rock Doll 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
DNA is chemical molecule, so knowing its structure allow you to manipulate it, synthesize it... etc. This is essential knowledge in modern biology, biotech where its common thing for people to genetically engineer bacteria to study specific gene and so on. Sequencing DNA, genetic engineering, ton of other things in molecular biology wouldn't be possible without knowing structure of DNA.
If you go to Nature the journal website you can track down the original research paper Watson and Crick published on structure of DNA.
2006-10-22 05:50:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
watson and crick came up with a model displaying the double helix ladder model of DNA and showed that DNA had a diamete of 2nm and a complete helical turn every 3.4nm. As the first guy said this helped to map human genome and figure out how DNA replicates it self and other vital things we did not know before this.
2006-10-21 16:48:57 · answer #3 · answered by tiff-so-fierce 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Essentially it allowed scientists to find DNA and then map it's genetic sequence. They couldn't this without knowing what it looked like. If you were looking for something you knew existed but had no idea what it looked like you'd do very well. But as soon as you know what you're looking for it becomes much easier.
2006-10-21 16:41:22 · answer #4 · answered by Nick W 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋