Francis Crick and DNA Discovery Quiz

A type of star that pulsates, changing its brightness in a regular pattern.

A powerful, short-lived explosion on a star's surface, briefly making it much brighter.

The first experiments using a closed system to simulate Earth's early atmosphere and create organic compounds from simple gases.

The study of how the brightness of stars changes over time, used to determine their distances.

The distance between Earth and a celestial object, often measured in light-years.

The scientific field that studies the structure and behavior of DNA.

A model of the structure of DNA, discovered in 1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick.

The process of converting simple chemicals into more complex organic compounds, essential for life.

A model of the atom proposed by Rutherford in 1911, comparing it to a solar system with electrons orbiting a nucleus.

A neutral particle located in the atom's nucleus alongside protons, discovered in 1932.

A type of X-ray used to examine blood vessels, invented by António Egas Moniz in 1927.

A controversial surgical procedure that involves cutting connections in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, developed by António Egas Moniz.

The name given to the element with atomic number 104, named after Ernest Rutherford for his contributions to the field of atomic physics.

Egas Moniz, a Portuguese neurologist, is known for his groundbreaking work on brain imaging and for developing the frontal lobotomy procedure.

Egas Moniz was the first neurological professor at the University of Lisbon.

Egas Moniz's frontal lobotomy technique was a central aspect of psychiatric treatment in the 1940s and 1950s.

Francis Crick was a British molecular biologist who, in 1953, co-discovered the double helix structure of DNA with James Watson. This discovery revolutionized our understanding of genetics and heredity.

During World War II, Crick worked in the Royal Navy to develop magnetic and acoustic mines. After the war, he decided to pursue a career in biology.

In 1949, Crick joined the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge and embarked on a PhD researching the X-ray diffraction of proteins. It was here that he met James Watson, with whom he would collaborate on the DNA structure research.

Crick and Watson collaborated on a landmark paper published in "Nature" in 1953. This paper revealed the double helix structure of DNA, a key discovery that revolutionized our understanding of genetics.

Crick's work on DNA was recognized with prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in 1962 and medals from the Royal Society. This highlights the importance of his contribution to the field of biology.

In 1977, Crick became a Distinguished Research Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California. This move cemented his reputation as a leading figure in biological research.

Crick made significant contributions in studying the genetic code after completing his PhD. He delved into the fascinating world of developmental neurobiology and human consciousness later in his career.

Crick's life story showcases a fascinating journey of scientific exploration. He transitioned from wartime research to groundbreaking discoveries in biology, expanding our understanding of genetics and the complexities of life.