The question "Who decided DNA?" is ambiguous; however, we can interpret it in a few ways. First, it can mean "Who discovered DNA?". Second, it can mean "Who determined the structure of DNA?". Finally, it could be interpreted as "Who decided what DNA does?" Let's address each interpretation:
Who Discovered DNA?
- Friedrich Miescher, a Swiss chemist, first identified DNA.
Miescher's work marked the initial discovery of DNA as a distinct molecule. This happened nearly 90 years before Watson and Crick.
Who Determined the Structure of DNA?
- James Watson and Francis Crick are credited with determining the double-helical structure of DNA.
While Miescher identified DNA, Watson and Crick elucidated its now-iconic structure. This breakthrough provided fundamental insights into how genetic information is stored and replicated.
Who Decided What DNA Does?
- DNA's function is determined by evolution and is not "decided" by any individual.
DNA's role in carrying genetic information and directing cellular processes has evolved over billions of years. No person or entity "decided" its function. It is the result of natural selection and the chemical properties of the molecule itself.
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Who Discovered DNA? | Friedrich Miescher |
Who Determined the Structure of DNA? | James Watson and Francis Crick |
Who Decided What DNA Does? | Evolution (DNA's function evolved over billions of years) |