New
New
Year 7
The discovery of the structure of DNA
I can describe how scientists collected evidence and shared findings to develop a model to describe the structure of DNA.
New
New
Year 7
The discovery of the structure of DNA
I can describe how scientists collected evidence and shared findings to develop a model to describe the structure of DNA.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- DNA was discovered in 1869, but scientists did not work out its structure until 1953.
- Scientists collected evidence and shared findings to develop a model to describe the structure of DNA.
- Rosalind Franklin’s team in London used X-rays to produce an image of a DNA molecule in1952.
- Maurice Wilkins from Franklin’s group showed the picture to James Watson from Cambridge.
- Watson and Francis Crick used the picture evidence to complete a model to describe the double helix structure of DNA.
Keywords
DNA - DNA is the chemical substance that genetic material is made out of; it stores the genetic code.
X-ray - An X-ray is a form of radiation that can be used for creating images.
Double helix - DNA has a double helix structure made from two chains in a spiral.
Genome - The genome is all of the genetic material of a cell.
Common misconception
DNA was discovered by Watson and Crick.
The lesson explores the work of various scientists in developing our understanding of DNA, including Rosalind Franklin.
The final task involves creating a timeline of historical events, which could be done as an engaging hands-on activity using images, displays and even multimedia.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Which type of cell does not store DNA in a nucleus?
Animal cell
Plant cell
Fungi cell
Q2.
What is stored in DNA?
an organism's features
the nucleus
cells
Q3.
Which of the following statements best describe the structure of DNA?
spiralled
laddered
helix
Q4.
DNA is passed from parent to offspring during which common life process?
Q5.
Why was the heredity of features discovered before DNA?
Organisms only have a small amount of DNA.
DNA is a chemical so cannot be observed.
Q6.
What are the four letters that make up the genetic code?
ACGD
ADGC
GCTD
CGDA
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What did James Watson and Francis Crick discover?
the role of DNA
the existence of DNA
the location of DNA
Q2.
In 1952 what did Rosalind Franklin produce?
a computer model
a photograph
a physical model
Q3.
What was the name of the scientist in a team with Rosalind Franklin at King's College?
James Watson
Francis Crick
Q4.
Put these events in the discovery of DNA in the correct order.
Q5.
Which of the four scientists involved in the discovery of DNA was not awarded the Nobel prize?
Q6.
All of the DNA in an organism is called the ...