April 25, 1953: Celebrating the National DNA Day – Discovery of the Double Helix Structure

James Watson and Francis Crick published a paper on the double helix structure of DNA in the journal Nature in April 25, 1953. The discovery of this structure allowed scientists to understand how genetic material is transmitted from generation to generation. The role of DNA as a carrier of genetic code was established. This study was considered to be the most important scientific discovery of the 20th century. Watson and Crick later received the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine together with Maurice Wilkins. April 25 also became National DNA Day.

Reference
http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/medicine/dna_double_helix/readmore.html

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GeneOnline