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The discovery of the structure of DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, was a significant achievement in the field of genetics and biology. It marked the beginning of a new era in our understanding of genetics and heredity, and has had a huge impact on our understanding of the biological world.

James Watson and Francis Crick were two young scientists who were working at the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge in the early 1950s. They were fascinated by the structure of DNA and were determined to figure out how it worked.


                                    

At the time, there were several competing theories about the structure of DNA, but Watson and Crick were particularly interested in the work of Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins, who were using X-ray crystallography to study the structure of DNA.

Watson and Crick used this information, along with other data from other scientists, to build a model of the structure of DNA. They worked tirelessly, using pieces of cardboard and metal wire to build a model that they believed would accurately represent the structure of DNA.


                                   

Finally, on April 25th, 1953, Watson and Crick presented their model to their colleagues at the Cavendish Laboratory. It was a revolutionary discovery, and it was immediately recognized as a major breakthrough in the field of genetics.

The structure of DNA that Watson and Crick proposed is now known as the double helix, and it consists of two strands of DNA that are twisted around each other in a spiral shape. This structure allows DNA to store and transmit genetic information, and it has had a huge impact on our understanding of genetics and heredity.

Today, the discovery of the structure of DNA is considered one of the most significant achievements in the history of science, and Watson and Crick are remembered as two of the greatest scientists of the 20th century.


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1953 Cards & Gifts