The discovery of the structure of DNA
I can describe how scientists collected evidence and shared findings to develop a model to describe the structure of DNA.
The discovery of the structure of DNA
I can describe how scientists collected evidence and shared findings to develop a model to describe the structure of DNA.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- DNA was discovered in 1869, but scientists did not work out its structure until 1953.
- Scientists collected evidence and shared findings to develop a model to describe the structure of DNA.
- Rosalind Franklin’s team in London used X-rays to produce an image of a DNA molecule in1952.
- Maurice Wilkins from Franklin’s group showed the picture to James Watson from Cambridge.
- Watson and Francis Crick used the picture evidence to complete a model to describe the double helix structure of DNA.
Keywords
DNA - DNA is the chemical substance that genetic material is made out of; it stores the genetic code.
X-ray - An X-ray is a form of radiation that can be used for creating images.
Double helix - DNA has a double helix structure made from two chains in a spiral.
Genome - The genome is all of the genetic material of a cell.
Common misconception
DNA was discovered by Watson and Crick.
The lesson explores the work of various scientists in developing our understanding of DNA, including Rosalind Franklin.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
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