DNA: Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid
The Genetic Material
DNA • Deoxyribose nucleic acid type of nucleic acid
– What is the other type of nucleic acid?
• RNA• DNA function
– to hold genetic code – Genetic code = genetic
instructions to make proteins
• DNA is found in nucleus of eukaryotic cells
The Short History of DNA and Genetics (Part 1)
•From 1866-1953
Searching for Genetic Material• Gregor Mendel
(1866): – discovered that
inherited traits are determined by discrete units, or 'genes,’ - passed on from the parents.
• Freidrich Miescher(1868): – discovered DNA– Isolated something
new from the nuclei of eukaryotic cells
• Later called DNA!!!
Searching for Genetic Material• Thomas Hunt Morgan (1910):
– Worked with fruit flies• Specifically eye color of these flies!
– Discovered genes are located (linked) on chromosomes
Discovering the structure of DNA
Rosalind Franklin (1952)
•Obtained sharp X-ray diffraction photographs of DNA (Photo 51)•Watson and Crick used her data revealed its helical shape
•Watson and Crick went on to win Nobel Prize (1962) for their DNA model
Photo 51
How did PHOTO 51 reveal DNA’s helical shape?
• X-rays passing through a helix diffract at angles perpendicular to helix making an "X" pattern, which favors an equal diameter "helix".
She finally gets credit Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and
Science, located on Green Bay Road in North Chicago, Illinois
Discovering the structure of DNA James Watson & Francis Crick (1953)
•Discovered double helix structure•Solved the three-dimensional structure of the DNA molecule
Watson Constructing Bair Pairs movie
http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/dna/animations.html