The Discovery of DNA
Draft 3.1: The Science Narrative This assignment asks you to select a scientific discovery, concept, or problem
and to introduce it to a general public audience in narrative form. That is to say, your treatment of the topic
should not be simply explanatory, but rather should tell a story that educates your reader by capturing her
imagination as vividly as possible. The most successful essays will draw their readers into the story through the
use of elements such as strong narrative voice, detailed description, well-realized characters (human or
otherwise), and a compelling conflict. As such, the most effective narrative essays will do several things (not
necessarily in this order): ● Tell a story using a variety of external (sight, sound, touch, smell, etc.) and internal
(feelings, emotions, thoughts, etc.) details ● Give the reader a sense of the broader scientific meaning or
significance of the story ● Show what effect the story has had on human life
Sample Solution
The Discovery of DNA
The human hereditary material known as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a long molecule containing the information organisms need to both develop and reproduce. DNA is found in every cell in the body, and is passed down from parent to child. DNA was discovered in 869 by Swiss researcher Friedrich Miescher, who was originally trying to study the composition of lymphoid cells (white blood cells). Instead, he isolated new molecule he called nuclein (DNA with associated proteins) form a cell nucleus. While Friedrich was the first to define DNA as a distinct molecule, several other researchers and scientists have contributed to our relative understanding of DNA as we know it today. DNA is pivotal to our growth, reproduction, and health. It contains the instructions necessary for your cells to produce proteins that affect many different processes and functions in your body.
