James Crick and Francis Watson

Question 1

Who were Watson and Crick?

Answer 1

Scientists who worked together at the University of Cambridge.

Question 2

What did they discover?

Answer 2

Identified the structure of human DNA

Question 3

When did they make their discovery?

Answer 3

April, 1953

Question 4

What factors aided their research?

Answer 4

1. New technology

3. Mendel and other scientists

Question 5

How did improved, new technology aid their discovery?

Answer 5

X-rays and electron microscopes enabled scientists to see human cells at a much higher magnification and take photographs to study.
- Rosalind Franklin took particularly detailed pictures of DNA and from this Crick and Watson were able to identify the structure of DNA (double helix)

Question 6

How did Mendel’s work aid their discovery?

Answer 6

They built and developed on discoveries around genetics that had accumulated for a century. Mendel was one of these because he showed how characteristics were passed on from one generation to the next.

Question 7

How did researchers develop Crick and Watson’s theory even further?

Answer 7

Teams of researchers worked to decode the information that is contained in DNA, in the hope that thy could use it to tackle genetic diseases.

Question 8

What has been the impact of their discovery?

Answer 8

1. The Human Genome Project (1986)- Scientists began mapping the entire structure of human DNA
2. Genetic Screening- It is now possible to test people who might carry a genetic disorder or fetus’ who may end up with a genetic disorder
3. Gene Therapy- Putting normal genes into the DNA of someone who carries or has a genetic disorder.