The Inspiration of the Double Helix: From Structural Elucidation to Biological Functions
Abstract
The DNA double helix model proposed by Watson and Crick in 1953 stands as a crucial milestone in the development of modern
molecular biology. This model clearly illustrates the core biological principle that structure determines function. Its discovery integrated
interdisciplinary thinking, as well as common scientific research methods such as hypothetico-deduction and model construction. This paper
analyzes the intrinsic relationship between the structure and function of the DNA double helix, along with the scientific thinking and research
methods reflected in this discovery, summarizes the enlightenment of this classic case for biological research, helps us better understand the
nature of life science research, and also provides some references for the study of scientific research methods.
molecular biology. This model clearly illustrates the core biological principle that structure determines function. Its discovery integrated
interdisciplinary thinking, as well as common scientific research methods such as hypothetico-deduction and model construction. This paper
analyzes the intrinsic relationship between the structure and function of the DNA double helix, along with the scientific thinking and research
methods reflected in this discovery, summarizes the enlightenment of this classic case for biological research, helps us better understand the
nature of life science research, and also provides some references for the study of scientific research methods.
Keywords
DNA double helix; Structure determines function; Model construction; Interdisciplinary integration; Scientific research method
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PDFReferences
[1] Watson J D, Crick F H C. Molecular structure of nucleic acids: a structure for deoxyribose nucleic acid[J]. Nature, 1953, 171(4356):
737-738.
[2] Zhu Y X, Li Y, Zheng X F, Guo H W. Modern Molecular Biology (5th ed.)[M]. Beijing: Higher Education Press, 2019.
[3] Chargaff E. Chemical specificity of nucleic acids and mechanism of their enzymatic degradation[J]. Experientia, 1950, 6(6): 201-240.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.70711/frim.v4i6.9691
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