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Floral DNA Structure

The Discovery of DNA
and its Importance

Deemed as the ‘cookbook’ and ‘blueprint’ of our existence, ‘its’ seemingly simple structure contains the
codes which gives birth to the unique features of every single living organism that has ever existed. With
just 2 strands, ‘it’ marks the beginning of all existence, giving rise to a new organism. And as such, a
small microscopic change could result in a disastrous change. ‘It’ - is DNA, more formally known by its
scientific name, Deoxyribonucleic acid.

Discovery of DNA
Although it is claimed that no single person discovered DNA, as many scientists uncovered parts of
today’s knowledge of DNA, it was first accidentally discovered in 1869 by Swiss researcher Johannes
Friedrich Miescher. Miescher’s initial study aimed to examine the composition of lymphoid cells by
isolating and characterising its protein components. However, this led to the isolation of a new molecule
‘nuclein’ from the cell nucleus, which is presently known as Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Nevertheless,
the structure and function of DNA was not discovered until 1953, by American biologist James Watson
and English physicist Franscis Crick. This discovery supplies the major missing piece in Darwin’s theory
of evolution.

Structure and Roles of DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA is a molecule located in the cell nucleus which carries genetic information
for the development and functioning of an organism. DNA is composed of two linked strands that wind
around each other to create a double-helix shape. Each strand has a backbone made of alternating sugar
(deoxyribose) and phosphate groups. Attached to each sugar is one of the four nitrogenous bases: adenine
(A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) or thymine (T). The two strands are connected by chemical bonds between
the complementary base pairs: adenine bonds with thymine, and cytosine bonds with guanine. Base
sequences determine the amino acid arranged, therefore, dictating the protein produced, which is essential
for growth and repair.

Importance of DNA
As genetic information contributes to the phenotype (observable characteristics), different organisms
portray different characteristics, some of which are advantageous whilst others are disadvantageous. As a
consequence, through the discovery of DNA and the development of new and modern technologies,
scientists and doctors are able to minimise or prevent the effects of these disadvantageous genes. These
technologies have been applied to various fields, such as: medicine, criminology, and agriculture.
1. Medicine
Genetic mutations can have serious adverse effects, as some can lead to genetic diseases, such as:
cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia, and cancer. In the present moment, genetic abnormalities or diseases
can be detected as early on as in the foetal stage. Some of these DNA testing techniques include:
Noninvasive Prenatal Testing, Cell-free DNA screening or Regular DNA tests. Such genetic
abnormalities could be treated using gene therapy which aims to modify an individual’s gene to cure or
treat a disease. Thus, as researchers and scientists continue to research about the complexities of DNA
and the insights it codes for, this would enable scientists and doctors to track the evolution of pathogens,
predict accurate prevention methods, and suggest more effective treatments.
2. Criminology (Forensics)
Advancements in genetics related technologies have also transformed forensic science, enabling
the possibility of a second chance of justice being sought. This is since infinitely small pieces of an
individual - bones, blood, hair, skin or body fluids - can now constitute a vital crime-scene clue.
Therefore, DNA is like a ‘time fluid’ which holds the power to reel a person back in, through decades,
even through death, to face truth about previously unsolved crimes.

3. Agriculture
Plants are central to life on Earth, they play an important role in converting Carbon dioxide into
Oxygen and being a source of food. Through the knowledge we possess, regarding the structure and
function of plant DNA, this enables us to make great advances in plant genetics and improvements in
food security. As the discovery of DNA has radically changed the way we breed and utilise crops and the
means by which we recognise and preserve biodiversity. It has increased our ability to breed crops with
desirable traits such as disease resistance, and cold and drought tolerance, by using methods like
Recombinant DNA methodology.

Due to the importance of the discovery of DNA, the 25th of April has been declared as ‘National DNA
Day’, in order to commemorate the discovery of DNA’s double-helix in 1953. Moreover, the advancement
of genetic technologies would bring us closer to a world with fewer and better-managed diseases, longer
life spans, personalised medicine, more justice and greater food security.

By: Piriyabhorn Moji Jariyapan

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