Module 7 Lesson 1 - 1
Lesson 1 — DNA Structure
Get Focused
All organisms begin life as a single cell. All information
for forming the body parts and controlling body processes must be
stored in that single original cell. As stated in the Cell Theory, for all living things cells are the basis of
- structure
- function
- heredity
The work of many scientists, various events, and experiments led to
the identification of the molecule that holds all this cellular
information, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). During the
process of discovery, some scientists concentrated on identifying the
molecule of heredity and, simultaneously, others studied the
structure of DNA. The combination of identifying DNA as the molecule of
heredity and the discovery of the DNA structure allowed scientists to
begin to search for the mechanisms and processes involved in passing
genetic information to subsequent generations.
The discovery of DNA caused the imaginations of comic book artists to take new directions. After the molecule responsible for passing all information to the next generation was identified, imagine the possibilities. What if this DNA was changed? What would happen to a person? The beginning of mutant superheroes was born.
This lesson addresses two focusing questions:
