2017-02-28 Tue

What is DNA?
DNA is an abbreviation of DeoxyriboNucleic Acid. It is a hereditary material located in the nucleus of a cell of living organisms (including humans). It is also considered as building blocks of living organisms. The DNA consists of four basic units (called as bases) - adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine. The structure of DNA is in a double helix. The double helix structure of DNA was discovered by Crick and Watson in 1953 - one of the greatest discoveries of the century - and both of them (including Wilkins) received Nobel Prize in 1962.

To honour this invention many countries issued stamps. Australia issued two stamps of 50cents. The two stamps depict the double helix DNA structure and the location of DNA in the chromosomes. However, the interesting part of these stamps is the stamp gutter showing the chromatogram of DNA sequences.

The invention of DNA is considered to be the greatest boon!
We use DNA as a crucial research tool in the lab, we use it to engineer food crops and biofuel-producing microbes, we use it as a forensic tool and a medical diagnostic, and we use it to access our ancient history.

Our genetic material is turning out to be one of our most useful high-tech tools.DNA evidence might be used in the investigation and prosecution of crimes and in civil litigation.