James D. Watson

Definition

James D. Watson is an American molecular biologist, geneticist, and zoologist best known for co-discovering the double helix structure of DNA alongside Francis Crick. His work has had a profound impact on the field of genetics and molecular biology, particularly in the use of X-ray crystallography to reveal the structural complexities of DNA.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Watson and Crick published their groundbreaking paper on the structure of DNA in 1953 in the journal Nature, which fundamentally changed the field of biology.
2. The use of X-ray crystallography by Rosalind Franklin was crucial in providing the data that led Watson and Crick to propose the double helix model.
3. Watson received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962 along with Crick and Maurice Wilkins for their contributions to understanding the molecular structure of nucleic acids.
4. Watson's book, 'The Double Helix,' offers a personal account of the discovery process and has sparked both interest and controversy regarding scientific ethics.
5. His later career included a focus on molecular genetics and he served as the director of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory for many years.

Review Questions

• How did James D. Watson's collaboration with Francis Crick change our understanding of molecular biology?
  • James D. Watson's collaboration with Francis Crick was revolutionary because they proposed the double helix structure of DNA, which explained how genetic information is stored and transmitted. This discovery provided a framework for understanding various biological processes, such as replication and protein synthesis. Their work laid the foundation for modern genetics and opened up new avenues for research in molecular biology.
• Evaluate the significance of Rosalind Franklin's contributions to Watson and Crick's discovery of DNA's structure.
  • Rosalind Franklin's contributions were critical to Watson and Crick's success in discovering DNA's structure. Her X-ray diffraction images, particularly Photo 51, provided essential insights into the helical structure of DNA. Without her meticulous work and data interpretation, Watson and Crick might not have arrived at their groundbreaking model, highlighting the importance of collaboration in scientific research.
• Assess how Watson’s narrative in 'The Double Helix' reflects broader ethical issues within scientific research and collaboration.
  • In 'The Double Helix,' Watson presents a candid account of the race to discover DNA’s structure, which raises important ethical questions about credit and recognition in science. His portrayal of rivalries and collaborations underscores issues such as gender bias against Franklin and highlights how personal ambitions can influence scientific progress. By reflecting on these dynamics, Watson’s narrative encourages a critical examination of how scientific achievements are often shaped by social contexts and interpersonal relationships.

Related terms

DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule that carries genetic instructions used in growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms.

Francis Crick: A British molecular biologist who co-discovered the structure of DNA with James D. Watson, significantly advancing the understanding of genetics.

X-ray crystallography: A technique used to determine the atomic and molecular structure of a crystal by diffracting X-ray beams through it, which was pivotal in discovering the structure of DNA.