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Francis Crick

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Francis Crick was a British molecular biologist who, along with James Watson, discovered the structure of DNA in 1953. DNA is the genetic material that makes up all living things. Crick's discovery was a major breakthrough in biology and helped to explain how genes work.

Crick was born in Northampton, England, in 1916. He studied physics at the University of Cambridge and then went on to do research in molecular biology. In 1951, he began working with Watson at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge.

The two scientists used X-ray crystallography to study the structure of DNA. They were able to determine that DNA is a double helix, with two strands of nucleotides twisted around each other. The nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA, and they are arranged in a specific order that encodes the genetic information of an organism.

Crick's discovery of the structure of DNA was a major turning point in biology. It helped to explain how genes work and how they are passed from one generation to the next. It also led to the development of new technologies, such as genetic engineering.

Crick continued to work on DNA research for many years. He also made important contributions to the fields of protein folding and consciousness. He died in 2004 at the age of 88.

How can the word be used?

The Francis Crick Institute is one of the leading research institutes in the world.

Francis Crick

Different forms of the word

There are no other forms of the word "Francis Crick". It is a proper noun, which means that it is the name of a specific person. Proper nouns are not capitalised unless they start a sentence or are used in a title.

Etymology

The name "Francis Crick" is of English origin. The first element, "Francis", is a common given name that means "free man". The second element, "Crick", is a surname that is derived from the Old English word "cric", which means "ditch" or "trench".

Question

What is Francis Crick famous for?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Discuss the contributions of Francis Crick to the field of science, particularly his role in the discovery of the structure of DNA. Describe the significance of the double helix model and how it revolutionised our understanding of genetics and heredity. Provide real-life examples of how Crick's work has influenced modern genetics and its applications in various fields.

Answer:

Francis Crick made significant contributions to the field of science, most notably his pivotal role in the discovery of the structure of DNA. Alongside James Watson and Maurice Wilkins, Crick proposed the double helix model in 1953, which revealed the molecular structure of DNA as a twisted ladder-like configuration. This breakthrough revolutionised our understanding of genetics and heredity, establishing DNA as the genetic code of life.

The double helix model has since become a foundation for modern genetics research, enabling advancements in biotechnology, gene editing, and understanding genetic diseases. Techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing, inspired by Crick's work, have become crucial tools in various scientific fields, from medicine to forensic science.

Francis Crick's discoveries have left a lasting impact on science, shaping our knowledge of genetics and influencing countless innovations and applications in biotechnology and medicine. His work remains a cornerstone in the ongoing exploration of the genetic basis of life.