Do We Have the Structure of DNA Right?

Abstract

Models in science are necessary as clothes hangers on which ideas and theories can be hung up. But they are usually simplifications. They can be useful in thought; their epistemological value is somewhat limited. Later discoveries have shown that there are many forms of DNA—single-stranded forms, circular forms—and we have been misled, I think, by concentrating so much on microorganisms. We still know very little of what happens [in vivo], especially in animal and plant cells… . I would say that we must be cautious still.