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Interests in Genetics
Gregor Mendel performed an experiment on peas which led to the interest in genetics as a branch of science. -
Isolation
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and the Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) were isolated by Friedrich Miescher. However, he never further investigated their origins. -
Turning point
A scientist called Frederick Griffith commenced a project which involved finding how mice transferred their disease to their offspring. This led to the discovery of the inheritance molecule which was DNA. -
Discovery
Oswald Avery continued Frederick Griffith's experiment and discovered the inheritance molecule by removing lipids, Ribonucleic Acid, carbohydrates and proteins of the disease the mice caught. However, he found out that the mice still had the disease. Next he destroyed the Deoxyribonucleic Acid which stopped the transfer which therefore led to the discovery of DNA as the inheritance molecule. -
X-Ray structure
Two scientists, Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins, attempted to crystallize the DNA molecule in order to understand the structure of the DNA and the how it functions. They were successful and developed an x-ray pattern and discovered the structure as a helix shape. -
First attempt
Linus Pauling, an American Chemist, attempted to build a model of the structure of the DNA. However, it was a failure as it was proven wrong by James Watson. -
Success
James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the DNA's double helix structure through their analysis of the X-ray diagram.They then created an accurate model which shows a double helix structure with little rungs connecting the two strands. The rungs were the bases of a nucleotide . -
RNA
RNA was discovered and how it was synthesized by Severo Ochao. It is known as the connection between DNA and protein. -
Purification
The first restricted enzyme is purified by Hamilton Smith. Restriction enzymes are enzymes that cut DNA. They are usually man made -
Technology
Development of DNA sequencing technology. -
Police work
DNA is introduced as a form of crime solving technology used by the police. they used this technology to analyse fingerprints, blood, siemen and saliva to identify the culprit(s) without having to undergo a series of investigations. This method was a huge success -
Genome Project
The genome project commences which allows us to discover new ways to improve human life with the information from the different genomes.. -
Clone
The first successful animal clone was created: a sheep named Dolly. This clone was created by Ian wilmut, Keith Campbell and colleagues at the Roslin institute. She had 3 mothers as one gave the DNA, one provided the egg and one carried the egg to term. She was cloned by using the DNA of one sheep that was implanted in an oocyte (developing egg) which had its nucleus removed of another sheep. Then it was surgically implanted into the 3rd sheep which was its surrogate mother. -
Post Genome Era
Research based on the human genome is published and the post genomeic era begins. -
The new generation
Human and animal cloning, research on stem cells and genetic engineering of crops commence as a hot topic of research.
