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Miescher
Miescher was the first to have the most simplistic idea of DNA. Through experimentation, he found a mysterious protein that differed from the other protein being studied. Since he found this in the nucleus of the cell, he named it "nuclein" which is still included in today's name of DNA (oligonucleotide acid). Since Meischer was the first to differentiate DNA from other proteins he added to previous thought that DNA was like other simpler proteins. -
Chargaff
Chargaff made two very important discoveries that contributed to the understanding of DNA. He first discovered that different species have different amounts of bases. He also discovered that there are fixed ratios of bases. Chargaff was able to add to the previous understanding of DNA by adding information dealing with the bases, whereas before there were only discoveries dealing with with the structure and shape. Chargaff discovered this new information concerning DNA through experimentation. -
Franklin
Franklin was able to get high-resolution photos of crystallized DNA fibers. From this she was able to determine basic dimensions of DNA strands, and she discovered phosphates were on the outside of what was most likely a helical structure. She was able to contribute to previous knowledge about DNA by discovering more about the structure (basic dimensions and the phosphates) of the DNA rather than just the shape. These contributions were discovered through scientific experimentation. -
Hershey & Chase
Hershey & Chase discovered that genetic material is found in DNA. Before they made this discovery, many scientist believed that genetic material was found in proteins. Hershey & Chase were able to prove this wrong through experimentation. -
Watson & Crick
Watson and Crick are credited with discovering the double helix shape of DNA. Their discovery delivered ground-breaking insights about protein synthesis and genetic code. Watson and Crick's discoveries revolutionized information about DNA. They were able to add to the previous discoveries about DNA due to previous thought being that the bases were bonded by hydrogen bonds but the shape was not certain. They made their discoveries through observations and experiments. -
Meselson & Stahl
Meselson & Stahl discovered that DNA replicates in a semi conservative pattern. Before they made this discovery, it was a popular idea among scientist that DNA replicated in a dispersive pattern (double strand is not separated). These scientist believed the double helix shape would make the semi conservative pattern difficult to achieve, but through experimentation, Meselson & Stahl were able to prove that despite the complex double helix shape, DNA replicates in a semi conservative pattern.
