Drawing on the experimental results of others (they conducted no DNA experiments of their own), taking advantage of their complementary scientific backgrounds in physics and X-ray crystallography (Crick) and viral and bacterial genetics (Watson), and relying on their brilliant intuition, persistence, and luck, the two showed that DNA had a structure sufficiently complex and yet elegantly simple enough to be the master molecule of life. This meant taking on the arduous intellectual task of immersing themselves in all the fields of science involved: genetics, biochemistry, chemistry, physical chemistry, and X-ray crystallography. They seized on this problem during their very first encounter, in the summer of 1951, and pursued it with single-minded focus over the course of the next eighteen months. Without such knowledge, heredity and reproduction could not be understood. The double helix has not only reshaped biology, it has become a cultural icon, represented in sculpture, visual art, jewelry, and toys.Ĭrick and Watson recognized, at an early stage in their careers, that gaining a detailed knowledge of the three-dimensional configuration of the gene was the central problem in molecular biology. Major current advances in science, namely genetic fingerprinting and modern forensics, the mapping of the human genome, and the promise, yet unfulfilled, of gene therapy, all have their origins in Watson and Crick's inspired work. During the 1970s and 1980s, it helped to produce new and powerful scientific techniques, specifically recombinant DNA research, genetic engineering, rapid gene sequencing, and monoclonal antibodies, techniques on which today's multi-billion dollar biotechnology industry is founded. In short order, their discovery yielded ground-breaking insights into the genetic code and protein synthesis. Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.The discovery in 1953 of the double helix, the twisted-ladder structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), by James Watson and Francis Crick marked a milestone in the history of science and gave rise to modern molecular biology, which is largely concerned with understanding how genes control the chemical processes within cells. Week 52: One Year Review: Let’s Start at the Very Beginning…ġ. Since finishing my studies (well, at least for now), I’ve been wracking my brain about how to rectify this current situation – how was I going to sustain motivation to regain my healthier self? Then the answer came to me… I would write a blog to report on my progress, giving the accountability I need. In my case this explains my extreme clumsiness and tendency to jump between subjects (you may notice this in my writing style!). Perhaps I should also disclose that I have Dyspraxia (diagnosed at 38). One of my ‘go-to’ gluten-free, plant-based meals (risotto). That’s another story, maybe for another time. Intolerances and reduce allergic symptoms that developed in my mid-30’s. Since I was 37, initially for health-related reasons to manage food Should probably mention that I’ve followed a gluten-free and plant-based diet Although I let myself go a bit (loads), hopefully I now have more knowledge to help me come back stronger.] In short, I now have a better understanding about what needs to be done to live a healthy lifestyle – I just need to maintain the motivation to do it. These are the trillions of micro-organisms living in the gut that attribute to our health and well-being (more on that in later posts). My main interest is in gut health, specifically the gut microbiome. Prior to that I obtained a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Health Sciences. My comfort food – chocolate (well, the empty wrappings!)īriefly, the boring qualification stuff… I’ve just completed an AfN (Association for Nutrition) accredited Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Behaviour.
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