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Physiological Aspects of Genetics

Horowitz, N. H. and Owen, Ray D. (1954) Physiological Aspects of Genetics. Annual Review of Physiology, 16 . pp. 81-102. ISSN 0066-4278. doi:10.1146/annurev.ph.16.030154.000501. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:HORarp54

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Abstract

A considerable amount of evidence indicates that desoxyribonucleic acid is capable of duplicating itself, a property also possessed by genes. (By a self-duplicating material, we mean one which plays some essential role in its own production.) Watson & Crick (1) have proposed a new structure for desoxyribonucleic acid which not only takes into account the existing analytical and x-ray diffraction data but also seems capable of explaining the mechanism of duplication. Their model consists of two helical chains coiled around the same axis, the purine and pyrimidine bases on the inside, the phosphate groups on the outside. The chains are held together by hydrogen bonds between the bases, the adenine residues of either chain being bonded specifically to thymine in the other, and similarly guanine to cytosine. The sequence of bases along one chain is not restricted, but once fixed the sequence along the other chain is determined. This complementarity, which is the most novel feature of the structure, suggests that duplication takes place by separation of the two chains, followed by the synthesis of its complement alongside each chain. The model is supported by recent x-ray diffraction studies (2, 3).


Item Type:Article
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ph.16.030154.000501DOIUNSPECIFIED
Additional Information:"Reprinted, with permission, from the Annual Review of Physiology, Volume 16 copyright 1954 by Annual Reviews, www.annualreviews.org" This review covers the period January 1, 1952 to May 30, 1953.
Subject Keywords:DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid
DOI:10.1146/annurev.ph.16.030154.000501
Record Number:CaltechAUTHORS:HORarp54
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:HORarp54
Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:674
Collection:CaltechAUTHORS
Deposited By: Tony Diaz
Deposited On:14 Sep 2005
Last Modified:08 Nov 2021 19:04

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