Thoughts on How the Structure of DNA Was Discovered
Significant efforts have been made toward science and research to solve real-world problems in recent decades. More specifically, genetic testing has revolutionized research in the medical field to solve health enigmas. Technological advances and funding opportunities set out the realities of conducting DNA scientific discoveries.
DNA primarily carries genetic information that affects the development and functioning of organisms (Dailymotion, 2013). Ethical and social issues may arise despite the significant steps forward in researching DNA. The Race for the Double Helix, a movie, builds on the discovery of the DNA structure that changed how science and research are performed.
Part 1, Life Story, introduced the story of the diligent research and analysis of James Watson and Francis Crick that led to the DNA discovery. Model-building advances made Watson and Crick’s work possible: three-dimensional structures based on bond angles and molecular distances (Dailymotion, 2013). The scholars used cardboard cutouts to represent chemical components and shifted molecules around to understand the atomic configuration. In part, I disagree with how the discovery was made. This concern is caused by a misunderstanding of the configuration of guanine and thymine elements that misled Watson and Crick.
Part 2 of “The Race for the Double Helix,” Watson and Crick worked with Rosalind Franklin to build a three-dimensional model of the DNA molecule, leading to their breakthrough discovery (Dailymotion, 2011). However, the movie also highlights the challenges of collaboration, competition, and recognition in scientific research. It portrays the ethical and social issues that arise in pursuing scientific discovery, including the lack of recognition of Franklin’s contribution due to gender bias and discrimination.
Disagreement with How the Discovery Was Handled
Watson and Crick’s breakthrough in discovering DNA’s structure was a significant achievement in the history of science. However, I do not agree with how everything was conducted concerning the discovery. Watson and Crick’s work was built on the foundation laid by numerous other researchers, including Rosalind Franklin.
Franklin’s contributions were not fully recognized due to the gender bias and discrimination that were pervasive in the scientific community at the time. I would recommend fostering greater diversity and inclusivity in science, which will allow scholars to harness the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing real-world challenges. Nonetheless, science and research remain vital to our world, providing insights into the natural world and driving innovation and progress in a wide range of fields.
References
Jackson, M. (2013). Part 1 – Life story: The race for the double helix [Film]. Dailymotion. Web.
Jackson, M. (2011). Part 2 – The race for the double helix [Film]. Dailymotion. Web.