2.
James Watson
 In
1943 the American, Oswald Avery, discovered evidence that
molecules of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) might store
this genetic information. While working at the Rockefeller
Institute for Medical Research, USA he discovered that DNA
from a virulent strain of a bacterium could permanently
transform a non-virulent form of the same organism into
a virulent strain. Further research made it clear that
DNA carries genetic information in all living things.
One
scientist who was convinced that DNA must carry the
genetic message was James Watson. Watson had studied
Zoology in Chicago, and went on to receive a doctorate
from Indiana University in 1950. While studying, Watson
became very interested in genetics and in September
1950 he moved to Copenhagen to begin studying the effect
of DNA on viruses.
In
May 1951 Watson met Maurice Wilkins, who presented some
early pictures of DNA crystals produced using X-rays.
These pictures were produced by the chemical arrangement
of atoms inside the molecule, but many different arrangements
could produce similar results. The structure of DNA
was still a mystery. Watson was fascinated and decided
to try and find the chemical structure of DNA.
Watson
knew very little about these X-ray patterns, and wondered
where he could learn about them. Wilkins was working
in London, but didn't seem impressed by Watson's enthusiasm.
Watson was also reluctant to try Cal Tech, believeing
that the chemist, Linus Pauling, would not have time to
teach him. Watson decided to try Cambridge, where Max
Perutz and John Kendrew were studying large molecules.
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