Abstract This paper discusses the book, "Crick, Crack Monkey," written by Merle Hodge, describing it as a fantastic example of what is known as a picaresque novel in which an outsider experiences a life of trial, trying to assimilate and fit in, despite the challenges of existence as an outsider. The paper examines the role played by the main character of the story, Tee, illustrating the differences in her character as a child and as an adult.
From the Paper "Tee fondly remembers the way in which she used to tease and even brutalize her city cousins with the help of her brother and yet cannot honestly remember how she ever felt the courage and self value to do so. (87) Though Tee knows that this person inside her once existed she feels more and more foreign to her as she realizes the demands placed upon her cousins, as those now placed upon her and though she feels for their plight she also sees no way clear to redeem herself in their eyes or in the eyes of her forever critical aunt, cousins or teacher."
Abstract This paper looks at the discovery of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick and other scientists. It describes the structure of the DNA molecule and how it replicates, how mistakes in replication are corrected, and how replication is semi-conservative. It then looks at transcription and translation, and gives an example of a 3 codon sequence, its DNA code, its mRNA translation, and the amino acids it codes for.
An analysis of how the structure of DNA was discovered by primarily four people; James D. Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin.
Abstract This paper discusses how the structure of DNA was discovered. It goes through the discovery that DNA was the holder of genetic material within a cell to Watson and Crick's infamous model of the structure. The paper includes a heavy emphasis on gender roles in the post World War II science society. The paper also briefly describes the book, "What is Life" written in 1944 by Erwin Schrodinger.
From the Paper "After World War 2, there was a great upsurge in the study of DNA. Scientists, returning home after having been called away to contribute to the war effort (contributions being the use of their skills to create better, more intelligent weapons), arrived home to discover a new idea in the field of genetics. The book, "What is Life" written in 1944 by Erwin SchrA dinger as a collection of lectures, lead many scientists for the first time to really consider the causes and effects of genetic heredity; it became very popular among the university crowd and anyone worth their scientific mettle had read it and had an opinion on the subject of the "code of genetic inheritance". SchrA dinger heavily influenced the people who were later to discover the structure of DNA by making them ask the question, "What causes genetic material to be passed to offspring?" a question which had plagued science ever since man had been capable of intelligent thought."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the two men who worked together, merging data from chemistry, physics, and biology to produce the DNA model the double helix, which earned them the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology.
From the Paper "The Cambridge setting is where Watson first met Francis Crick, a man that was as influential to the discovery of the double helix structure as Watson himself. Watson and Crick soon began having daily lunches to discuss the many aspects of DNA. One point of view that brought them together was their mutual stress on DNA over proteins, which many scientists thought proteins to be more important. Watson and Crick shared an attraction to DNA, and when they wound up in the same University of Cambridge lab, they bonded. To summarize the events after their collaboration, "They used several models and a trial and error method to make their historical discovery" (Portugal 264). Watson drifted from pure science into administration. As director of the molecular-biology lab at Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., he turned it into a scientific powerhouse. He also served as "head of the Human Genome Project, absorbing some fallout from the high-energy ethical debates whose fuse he and Crick had lighted nearly four decades earlier" (Watson 1). "
Abstract This paper describes an event of the last century that changed our perspective on mental illness. It argues that the discovery of the structure of DNA by Watson and Crick in 1953 ultimately led to the diathesis stress model of modern psychology. This model is one of the most pervasive and pragmatic ways to view mental illness and has spurred tremendous amounts of research across an innumerable amount of menta illnesses. The paper shows that it is the ultimate compromise to the Nature vs. Nurture debate.
From the Paper "Our conception of mental illness was irrevocably changed by the publication of a short article in the British journal Nature in 1953. The pioneering work of three outstanding researchers had culminated in human kind's first three-dimensional conception of Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid, the fundamental unit of mammalian genes, themselves the fundamental unit of reproduction, of genetics, of life itself. The effects of this paper upon the study of mental illness were not immediately apparent. However, this new conception of something so basic and tangible having such a prominent role in life helped provide strong empirical support for the 'nature' side of the age-old Nature v. Nurture debate. This reconception ultimately metamorphed into the 'diathesis-stress' model of mental illness, a prominent and pragmatic tool that is currently used today across a wide variety of mental diseases. Without this earlier pioneering work, such a model might not ever have existed."
Abstract Every since Watson and Crick discovered DNA's structure in 1953 there has been a mad rush to discover it's function. The paper explores the discovery of scientist J. Craig Venter, whose groundbreaking system is responsible for locating and sequencing 85-90 percent of all human genes. Venter's discovery led to the National Institute of Health patenting gene fragments and the paper examines the controversy surrounding the issue. It discusses whether DNA, part of the human genome, should be allowed to be patented and also, how the information should be used. The paper also looks at the benefits of making DNA sequencing public property.
From the Paper "A major concern for many is how new DNA technology can be used against them. In a world full of real or imagined discrimination, genetic discrimination is a looming threat. Nineteen states now have laws governing privacy of genetic tests. Still, 25 percent of the individuals participating in a study at Georgetown University believed they had been discriminated against (Sternberg, 1996). Many Americans may be reason to fear, including those who themselves discriminate. More that 15 million Americans have one or more birth defects, 80 percent of them genetically caused (Cary, 1995). There are diseases numbering greater than 3,000 that are genetically coded (Platt, 1997). Discrimination may be on the job or by insurance companies who refuse to cover an individual based on a pre-existing condition. Martha Volner of the Alliance of Genetic Support Groups feels insurance companies do not need genetic information to discriminate. Enough history both personal and family is given to the insurance agency to negate the use of genetic tests (Sternberg, 1996)."
Abstract 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. "
Abstract This paper explains that Francis Crick and James Watson are the only names associated with the discovery of the DNA molecule; however, many scientists were involved. The author points out that the technological applications of DNA-science have led to a wide variety of advances in crop production, livestock development, forensic sciences, law enforcement, paternity testing and practically limitless therapeutic medical uses. The author then discusses the latest and most controversial DNA-based research - stem cell science. The author of the paper contends that the primary impetus for the opposition to stem cell research from religious beliefs as well as their intrusion into secular law and bioethics, represents an entanglement of church and state in violation of U.S. constitutional principles.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background and History of Discovery
Technological Relevance of DNA Science
Modern Applications of DNA Science
Ethical Controversies
Conclusion
From the Paper "In addition to providing the organs themselves, stem cell technology will also revolutionize the entire organ transplant field by eliminating the need for careful screening and tissue matching, and especially, for anti-rejection drugs. Presently, organ transplantation - whether from living donors or cadavers - requires the recipient to take powerful anti-rejection medications to suppress the body's natural response to foreign tissue, usually for life. Immune-system suppression are a necessary and worthwhile consequence of foreign organ implantation, but only because the alternative is premature death."
