Francis Crick: Life, Work, and DNA

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Francis Crick's transition from physics to biology was influenced by which significant historical event?

World War II, during which he contributed to developing military technology. (correct)
The Vietnam War, leading to an interest in the impact of defoliants on ecosystems.
The Korean War, inspiring him to study the biological effects of chemical warfare.
The Cold War, prompting research into radiation effects on genetics.

What was the primary focus of Francis Crick's research after he moved to California in 1976?

Studying developmental neurobiology and human consciousness. (correct)
Exploring the structure and function of RNA molecules.
Investigating the molecular mechanisms of photosynthesis in algae.
Developing new methods for protein crystallography.

Which of the following best describes the significance of Crick's quote, 'The genetic code is…the key to molecular biology'?

It highlights the importance of understanding the physical structure of DNA before studying its function.
It implies that the study of genetics is more important than the study of cellular biology.
It emphasizes that the genetic code provides the essential link between genetic information and protein synthesis. (correct)
It suggests that molecular biology should focus primarily on decoding the human genome.

Besides the Nobel Prize, which other prestigious honor(s) did Francis Crick receive for his contributions to science?

Medals from the Royal Society. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What critical step did Francis Crick undertake between his initial physics studies and his groundbreaking work on DNA structure?

He retrained in biology and pursued a PhD on the X-ray diffraction of proteins. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the collaborative nature of scientific discovery, which statement best characterizes the synergistic impact of Crick and Watson's diverse academic backgrounds on their DNA research?

The convergence of Crick and Watson's knowledge across viral genetics, physics, and X-ray crystallography provided a comprehensive approach to interpreting complex data, accelerating their discovery. (C) Signup and view all the answers

If the synthesis of a novel nucleic acid requires a modified backbone structure, altering its stability and interaction with cellular machinery, which component would be the MOST direct target for modification?

The phosphoric acid and sugar composition. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Given Sydney Brenner's contributions to deciphering the encoding process for amino acids, how would his work MOST directly influence research aimed at developing targeted therapies for genetic disorders?

By identifying the specific DNA sequences that encode for abnormal proteins, allowing for the design of interventions that correct or compensate for these errors. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the rapid timeline of Crick and Watson's DNA discovery, which factor would have MOST significantly contributed to their ability to achieve such a breakthrough in a relatively short period?

The availability of pre-existing, well-validated experimental data. (A) Signup and view all the answers

If a researcher aims to disrupt the hydrogen bonding between complementary base pairs in a DNA molecule to facilitate gene editing, which specific interaction would they target?

The hydrogen bonds between adenine and thymine or guanine and cytosine. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A company decides to invest in a new technology that promises increased efficiency but requires significant upfront costs and extensive employee training. Which capital budgeting method would provide the MOST comprehensive analysis for this investment decision, considering both the time value of money and profitability?

Net Present Value (NPV) (D) Signup and view all the answers

A project's cash flows are as follows: Initial investment of $200,000, Year 1: $50,000, Year 2: $60,000, Year 3: $70,000, Year 4: $80,000, and Year 5: $40,000. Calculate the discounted payback period, assuming a discount rate of 10%.

4.19 years (D) Signup and view all the answers

A company is evaluating two mutually exclusive projects. Project A has a higher NPV but a lower IRR than Project B. Which project should the company select, and what factor primarily justifies this decision, assuming the company's cost of capital is known and constant?

Project A, because NPV directly measures the value added to the company. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A company is considering investing in a project with a high degree of uncertainty regarding future cash flows. Which analytical tool would be MOST effective in assessing the project's risk and potential outcomes under different scenarios?

Simulation Analysis (C) Signup and view all the answers

A corporation is evaluating a project that requires an initial investment of $500,000 and is expected to generate annual cash flows of $150,000 for the next 5 years. At the end of the 5 years, the project is expected to have a salvage value of $50,000. The company's cost of capital is 12%. What is the project's Net Present Value (NPV)?

$34,664.87 (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the double helix structure, as deduced by Watson and Crick, directly facilitates DNA replication?

The specific pairing of bases (A with T, and C with G) allowing each half to serve as a template. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why was Franklin's 'Photograph 51' crucial to Watson and Crick's discovery of the double helix structure of DNA?

It confirmed previous, unsuccessful models and provided key measurements and insights into the structure's helical nature. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did Erwin Chargaff's work directly influence Watson and Crick's model of DNA?

By revealing the consistent pairing ratios of specific nitrogenous bases that guided their understanding of the double helix structure. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If a new, synthetic DNA molecule were created with a modified base pairing rule where A pairs with G and C pairs with T, what would be the most significant consequence for DNA replication?

It would lead to unpredictable mutations during DNA replication. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the ethical implications surrounding the discovery of DNA's structure, what is the most significant concern regarding Franklin's contribution?

The lack of recognition for her critical experimental work in the initial publication and Nobel Prize. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did Watson and Crick's understanding of the base pairing within the double helix directly contribute to the field of molecular biology?

It provided a mechanism for understanding how genetic information is accurately copied and transmitted. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant reason why understanding the structure of DNA was considered a turning point in biology?

It provided a clear understanding of how genetic information is stored, replicated, and passed on to subsequent generations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If Watson and Crick had access to the same data but misinterpreted the base pairing rules – for example, proposing that A pairs with C and G pairs with T – what would be the most likely outcome?

Their model would likely have been rejected because it would not account for the consistent ratios of base pairs and would not provide a viable mechanism for genetic replication. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who was Francis Crick?

British biophysicist; co-discovered the structure of DNA in 1953.

When did Crick co-discover the DNA structure?

1953, with James Watson.