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DNA Information Resources

DeoxyriboNucleic Acid (DNA) is the genetic material of the cell, making up chromosomes found within the nucleus. The DNA itself is divided into operative units called genes that carry instructions for making up the living organism (hair colour in humans etc). Each gene serves as a code for a particular protein. Since organisms are made up of proteins, the genes determine what the individual features of that organism will be.

X-ray diffraction photographs, taken by Maurice Wilkins, of the DNA fibres showed a distinctive X shape. He took this to be a characteristic of a helix structure. In 1951, Watson and Crick began work to unravel the structure of DNA. It was widely believed that DNA was a feature of the nucleus of every living cell, and that DNA may control heredity, but their work sought to further explain DNA’s function by mapping its structure. Watson and Crick used molecular models to devise a structure that would account for Wilkins’ diffraction photographs as well as prevailing chemical evidence.

They devised the double helix, in which all the blocks fitted together without overlapping or squashing, and which accounted for stabilisation by hydrogen bonds. In 1962 Wilkins, Watson and Crick all received the Nobel Prize for medicine in recognition of their achievements in the field of DNA research and X-ray crystallographic imaging.

The name DeoxyriboNucleic acid can be broken into its component parts to derive meaning. Within each living cell nucleoproteins can be found, which are substances made of proteins combined with natural polymers (nucleic acids). DNA itself is composed of a sugar called deoxyribose, a phosphate and a nucleobase.

The social significance of DNA cannot be overstated. Since DNA within any individual belonging to any species is completely unique, the DNA itself can serve as a means of identification. DNA can be extracted from any organic matter (blood, hair stands etc), so ‘DNA profiling’ has become a tool used extensively within forensic science to identify perpetrators of crime. Some nations have begun creating national DNA databases to further facilitate DNA identification. DNA can also be used to establish paternity through a process known as DNA fingerprinting.

The ability to compare animal and human DNA against each other, has given support to the theory of evolution by tracing lineage (for example between men and apes). This procedure analyses the mutations in DNA that occur over time as DNA is inherited from one generation to another, therefore the phylogeny (evolutionary history of organisms) can be established, giving a clear indication of the pattern of evolution and adaptation by species.

In modern medicine, the discovery of DNA has allowed for better identification- and treatment of disease using techniques such as gene therapy. Similarly, much social debate has been raised about issues of cloning, engineering disease-hardy crops or the breeding of larger, more hardy farmyard animals.

Through uncovering DNA’s structure, we have come to learn more about disease, aging and heredity. These understandings have enabled us to know more about our own existence and in turn, the nature of humanity as a species.