DNA

• DNA discovered


  1953
• DNA


  Deoxyribonucleic acid
• DNA


  • Double helix structure
  • Can unzip and replicate itself
• Rosalind Franklin first photographed DNA suggesting a double helix structure in 1951
• Watson and Crick put forth the idea of a double helix structure of DNA based on Franklin's work
• Genetics


  The study of DNA and how we inherit characteristics including sometimes illnesses
• There are over 3,000 million letters of code in the human body's DNA
• Genes are instructions grouped together with different functions, e.g. eye colour, height
• Genetic medicine


  • Can be used to treat hereditary or inherited diseases
  • Can help understand why people become ill and find solutions
  • Can fix faults in a person's DNA
• Genetic engineering of DNA can fix faults that may cause certain conditions, e.g. producing insulin for diabetics
• Special treatments can be produced that only target specific types of cells within the body, such as cancer cells
• Information about DNA can help scientists grow new and replacement organs
• In 1800, the understanding of illness causes was based on theories like the four humours and miasma
• By 1953, there was an understanding of the role of germs and DNA in passing on illnesses and diseases
• Modern medicine focuses on understanding the actual causes of disease and illness, such as bacteria, genetics, and lifestyle
• Prevention and treatment of disease has improved greatly with this understanding