Watson is one of the scientists who co-discovered the double-helix structure of DNA. His work laid the foundation for understanding DNA replication mechanisms.
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James Watson, along with Francis Crick, proposed the double-helix model of DNA in 1953.
The discovery by Watson and Crick was based on X-ray diffraction images taken by Rosalind Franklin.
Watson and Crick's model suggested a mechanism for DNA replication involving complementary base pairing.
Their work demonstrated that adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine, crucial for accurate DNA replication.
Watson and Crick received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962 for their contributions to understanding the molecular structure of nucleic acids.
Review Questions
Who co-discovered the double-helix structure of DNA?
What crucial feature of Watson and Crick's model helps explain accurate DNA replication?
Which scientist's X-ray diffraction images were pivotal for Watson and Crick's discovery?
Related terms
Francis Crick: The scientist who co-discovered the double-helix structure of DNA alongside James Watson.
Rosalind Franklin: A scientist whose X-ray diffraction images were critical in discovering the double-helix structure of DNA.
Double Helix: The spiral staircase-like structure formed by two strands of nucleotides twisted around each other in a specific manner.