James D. Watson and DNA

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses one of the most significant scientific discoveries of the twentieth century, the discovery of the helical structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). According to the paper, Watson revealed this discovery in his book, 'The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA'. This paper reviews Watson's book and the fact that DNA was not discovered by a single person, nor by a group of scientists. The DNA discovery was the result of a complex series of advancements, discoveries and inspirations by many independent groups.

From the Paper:

"Watson next goes on a series of European excursions and vacations; including being able to finally listed to Pauling. When he returns to Cambridge in the fall, Watson exhibits less preoccupation with DNA, and hears of the discovery by some bacteriologists that some bacteria actually reproduce sexually. This causes Watson to muse that the microbial genetics of them could be understood within a few years after DNA's structure is discovered. In the meantime, Watson writes that Franklin's X-Ray data "were getting prettier and prettier," (Watson 148). Furthermore, he credits her with obtaining the data indicating that the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA was actually on the outside of the molecule; still, "She gave no sign . . . of liking helices any better," (Watson 148). Watson continues to explain his faith-based understanding of DNA when he writes, "The idea of the genes' being immortal smelled right," (Watson 153). After this leap of inference, however, Watson learns that Pauling is about to unveil another discovery regarding DNA; this worries most everyone at Cambridge. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Watson, James D. The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA. London: Weidenfeld and Nicholson, 1968.

More papers on James D. Watson and DNA:

• Book Review # 110858 : "James D. Watson's "The Double Helix"
• Research Paper # 91669 : "How the Structure of DNA Was Discovered"
• Analytical Essay # 18796 : "James D. Thompson's "Organizations in Action"

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