Abstract
The publication in April 1953 of the double helix model of the structure of DNA was arguably the single most important contribution to the emergence and establishment of molecular biology. Although James Watson and Francis Crick constructed their double helix model of DNA by taking a nonexperimental model-building approach, their work rested on several vital lines of empirical data. By documenting the diffraction of X-rays in DNA fibers, Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins gathered essential information on the contours of the DNA molecule, its helical nature and the spatial organization of the DNA chains. Complementarity of the two chains was inferred from the empirical finding of Erwin Chargaff that the molar ratios in DNA of guanine to cytosine and of adenine to thymine were universally 1:1. This chapter mainly focuses on the evolution of experimental methods and of results that served as the basis for the Watson and Crick model of the DNA double helix.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
