James D. Watson
Definition
James D. Watson was an American molecular biologist who lived from 1928 to 2020. He is best known for co-discovering the double helix structure of DNA in 1953, along with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins. The discovery of DNA's structure revolutionized our understanding of biology and genetics, and it laid the foundation for the development of new technologies, such as genetic engineering and gene therapy.
Watson was born in Chicago, Illinois, and he studied biology at the University of Chicago and the University of Cambridge. He then moved to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York, where he began working on the structure of DNA with Crick and Wilkins. The three scientists used X-ray diffraction images to determine that DNA is a double helix, with two strands of nucleotides twisted around each other.
The discovery of DNA's structure was a major breakthrough in biology. It showed that DNA is the molecule that carries genetic information, and it explained how genes are passed from parents to offspring. Watson, Crick, and Wilkins were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962 for their discovery.
Watson continued to do research on DNA and genetics after winning the Nobel Prize. He also wrote several books about science, including The Double Helix, which is a personal account of the discovery of DNA's structure. Watson was a controversial figure, but he was also a brilliant scientist who made significant contributions to our understanding of biology.
How can the word be used?
James D. Watson is an American molecular biologist who, along with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, is credited with discovering the structure of DNA in 1953.
Different forms of the word
There are no other forms of the word "James D. Watson" other than the full name itself.
Etymology
The name "James D. Watson" is of English origin. The name "James" is derived from the Hebrew name "Ya'akov", which means "may God protect". The name "D." is an abbreviation of the middle name "Donald". The name "Watson" is an English surname that originated as a habitational name from any of the places called Watson, from the Old English personal name Wada + tun "settlement".
Question
What is James D. Watson famous for?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Who is James D. Watson and what significant role did he play in the field of science? Explain his involvement in the discovery of the structure of DNA and its implications for our understanding of genetics.
Answer:
James D. Watson is an American biologist renowned for his pivotal role in one of the most important scientific breakthroughs of the 20th century: the discovery of the structure of DNA. Along with Francis Crick, Watson co-authored a groundbreaking paper in 1953 that proposed the double-helix structure of DNA, which is the genetic material in cells.
Watson and Crick's model, based on X-ray crystallography data provided by Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins, revealed that DNA consists of two intertwined strands with complementary base pairs (adenine-thymine and guanine-cytosine) held together by hydrogen bonds. This structure explained how DNA can replicate itself, passing genetic information from one generation to the next.
The discovery of the DNA structure had profound implications for genetics, biology, and medicine. It provided the foundation for understanding how genes are stored, copied, and transmitted, revolutionising our knowledge of heredity and genetic variation. This breakthrough also laid the groundwork for the field of molecular biology, leading to advancements like the Human Genome Project and gene-editing technologies.
Watson's contributions to the elucidation of DNA's structure earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962, along with Crick and Wilkins. His work not only transformed our understanding of genetics but also paved the way for countless scientific advancements and applications in biotechnology, personalised medicine, and beyond.