Book details
Francis Crick and James Watson: And the Building Blocks of Life (Oxford Portraits in Science)
Description
The names of James Watson and Francis Crick are bound together forever because the scientific discovery they made was truly a joint enterprise. As Edward Edelson reveals in this intriguing biography, Watson and Crick were the first to describe the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, the molecule that carries our genes and determines everything from the color of our eyes to the shape of our fingernails. Even though Watson and Crick's collaboration lasted only a few years, their achievement was enough to tie their names together forever in the history of science and to establisha firm footing for what was then a radical new branch of science: molecular biology. In doing so, they paved the way for the early detection of genetic diseases such as sickle-cell anemia, and for new scientific leaps such as animal cloning
Age
12-18
Text complexity
advanced
Length
112 pages
Why to read
- To gain insight into the historical discovery of the DNA double helix structure, which is one of the most significant scientific achievements of the 20th century.
- To understand the collaborative nature of scientific research and the contributions of various scientists, including Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins, in addition to the work of Crick and Watson.
- To explore the ethical and social implications of genetic research, which are still relevant today, as the book delves into the controversies and debates surrounding the discovery and subsequent scientific advancements.
- To be inspired by the perseverance and intellectual curiosity of Crick and Watson, which can serve as a motivational example for anyone interested in pursuing a career in science or any field that requires critical thinking and innovation.