DNA: The Secret of Life - Report Example

Critical Analysis of a Historical Science Example Critical Analysis ofa Historical Science Example Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the genetic factor in human beings and other life forms. The DNA components that support this material are referred to as genes. Almost all cells in a creature have similar DNA, most of it being centralized in the cell nucleus where it is referred to as nuclear DNA. However, we note that trace amounts of DNA are found in the mitochondria which are referred to as mitochondrial DNA or simply mtDNA. In DNA data is stored in codes consisting four chemical elements: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine(C) and thymine (T) (Watson, 2004). However, we realize that, in human beings, DNA consists of more than a billion elements, which are mostly similar in all humans. The order in which these elements appear determines the availability of elements to build and sustain a being. This can be likened to the order of letters that forms different words and sentences. The four DNA elements combine in a predetermined sequence, that is, A binds with T while C binds with G. This results in the arrangement of elements called base pairs. The ratio of adenine to thymine, and guanine to cytosine govern the pattern of DNA. Further, each element attaches itself to a sugar molecule and phosphate molecule to form a nucleotide. These nucleotides are then aligned in two strands to form a double helix, which is spiral in shape running in an anti-parallel manner. These arrangements are referred to as chromosomes, which during the process of DNA replication, divide and are copied or replicated to develop more chromosomes. This results in all cells consisting enough chromosomes to support life fully. The key element of DNA is that it is capable of replicating itself to make millions of copies. A DNA strand in a double helix is the prototype for copying the series of bases. This is of paramount importance in cell division as the newly created cells need to obtain a similar DNA trait as the old cell. DNA together with macromolecules such as proteins, lipids and carbohydrates are essential in the establishment and maintenance of any life form, RNA viruses being the exception. The genetic code is the system used in reading the material contained in DNA. The genetic code spells out plan of amino acids which form proteins in the body and is studied by replicating existing DNA strands to RNA acid. This is done through a process referred to as transcription. Beings such as animals, fungi and plants, also referred to as eukaryotic organisms gather their DNA in the nucleus, mitochondria or chloroplast of their cells. On the other hand, beings such as bacteria and other single celled organisms commonly referred to as prokaryotes collect their DNA in the cytoplasm. The organization and packing of DNA in cells is tasked upon alkaline based proteins referred to as chromatin. These proteins include histones. Hydrogen bonds between nucleotides help to stabilize DNA; however, we note that interfacing nucleobases in a process referred to as base-stacking is also essential in steadying the DNA helixes. There are two classes of nucleobases, these are: purines which are formed when A and G are combined in the ratio of five to six and pyrimidines formed when six C and T bases combine (Watson, 2004). Biotechnicians examine the characteristics if nuclear based acids through a technology referred to as nucleic acid analogues. These techniques are typically used by medical and biology researchers. Furthermore, we note that the arrangement of DNA is referred to as sense which is copied to its RNA and, on the other hand, antisense is the term used to refer to the arrangement of DNA on the reverse side. However, it is common for both sense and antisense to appear in a single strand of DNA. RNA antisenses are churned out in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, these RNA antisenses are mandated with controlling gene expression in the process of RNA-RNA base pairing which is quite similar to the base pairing process in DNA (Watson, 2004). DNA supercoiling which encompasses both negative and positive supercoiling, the winding motion results in the DNA strand either becoming loose or tightly wrapped. Negative supercoiling makes bases that form the DNA strand disintegrate more easily whereas positive supercoiling holds the strands in place strongly. Through processes such as transcription and DNA replication, DNA strands are subjected to stress through twisting motion. It is thus paramount that negative supercoiling through the establishment of enzymes is initiated to mitigate the said stress. A critical analysis of how the historical example portrays no less than five crucial Natures of science ideas DNA also portrays various crucial nature of science ideas such as reliance on empirical data, logical argument, rules of evidence, skepticism and testable explanations. All these science ideas are crucial in exemplifying the functions and importance of DNA as a historical science idea. We note that DNA’s reliance on empirical data sets it apart from other works as it is crucial in the prevention of genetic errors in science. This is because it reduces the reliance on approximations by providing a precision in examination and experiments. DNA usage results in the discovery of very negligible errors, as seen through the various tests conducted to examine its use of empirical data. The reliance on empirical information of DNA is crucial as it has led to the discovery and explanation of non-local events through the use of holography. DNA asserts that a holograph has enough data to replicate and redistribute itself and form a completely new being. Such holographs are presumed to be present in blood, saliva and mucous; which gives them their regenerative qualities. What makes those ideas crucial? Moreover, DNA relies on logical argument, the longstanding argument on DNA has been whether it, or proteins are actually involved in the determination of heredity. There was no basic understanding of what caused blood groups and other elements to be carried down from generations to generations, but logical argument has been crucial in exemplifying these attributes of DNA. Some argue that since DNA was such simple elements, they could not effectively carry all the vital heredity information, they further argue that such essential information is carried out by complex elements such as proteins. However, these hypotheses have been refuted upon establishment that DNA is the transmission factor for all heredity, and not proteins or nuclei. This function of DNA is crucial as it ensures that parents pass to their offsprings, crucial information that dictates life and health as seen through the evolution process. While evolution is sometimes termed as not being an actual science, DNA has been able to provide a link between the stone age man and the current human form. Moreover, the essential data carried in DNA is crucial for the inception and maintenance of life (Watson, 2004). DNA also exhibits the skepticism ides of nature of science as it was and still is approached with a lot of skepticism in the society. For instance, during the Human Gonome Project, a lot of skepticism was aired towards the project which sort to discover man’s heritage dating back many generations. Most people did not believe that any form of science could uncover such information. In the recent past, cloning has become a sensitive topic as scientists advocate for the creation of other life forms from others through DNA grafting. On the other hand, religious groups and other factions are skeptical towards this, with some out righty opposing it. The skeptical nature of DNA is crucial as it allows for informed decision making by questioning the mainstream thinking, thereby allowing one to determine his own though trail towards a specific subject based on his own conclusions towards an issue.. In addition, the testable explanations of DNA as a nature of science has been crucial in helping mankind probe into areas of interest. This nature of science idea is crucial as it has enabled mankind to prove the existence of organisms, previously thought to be nonexistent (Watson, 2004). By using evidence to arrive at explanations, DNA has been crucial in the differentiation of organisms that portray mimicry characteristics, but do not actually belong to a specific class of organisms. Such organisms have been grouped and classified separately through the study of their DNA components. Therefore, organisms that simply resemble each other are not grouped as one through the explanation of their differences and similarities through DNA. Such grouping is essential in the discovery of vaccines as viruses are observed and weakened before being injected into the body to flush out toxins by mimicinng their traits. However, this nature of science idea has not been able to prove some scientists’ hypotheses on existence of extraterrestrial beings. DNA is significant because it outlines existence, from the moment of inception up to death. This science has not only brought changes in the scientific and medical fields, but in security parameters. Teaching students the aspects of DNA are vital as it imparts crucial knowledge that will make a difference in the world as a whole. We consider that knowledge of DNA is important as it is the key requirement of life. Without DNA, most of the life forms existing in the world would be obsolete. DNA prescribes life as it not only transfers hereditary information from a parent to the young one but also controls protein creation in the body. Through the DNA duplication process, cell division occurs and transfers data to other cells resulting in genetic makeup being passed from generation to generation. Teaching DNA is also important as it influences the structure and composition of cells. This means that DNA determines whether a cell becomes, for instance, a hand cell or an ear cell. Knowledge of DNA is vital in the study of lineage which is done under genealogy. This science has enabled people to trace back their ancestry through generations (Watson, 2004). Moreover, DNA is important in the determination of a child’s paternity because we note that the Y-chromosomes do not change over times. This serves in the resolution of social problems as well as legal matters especially regarding inheritance and in divorce cases where the father is unwilling to pay child support by claiming he is not the paternal father of the child in question. In addition, DNA is important as it forms the backbone for development of biological weapons. It is therefore paramount that DNA education should be accessible to students. Criminal investigations have also been made easier through this historic science. Forensic scientists are able to resolve cases by observing DNA evidence found on the crime scenes. This has led to breakthroughs in criminal cases by linking DNA found on crime scenes to those of suspects. Moreover, in the field of medicine, DNA plays an important role in predetermination of diseases that one might be exposed to. By studying the parents’ DNA, medical researchers are able to deduce whether the offspring will inherit diseases suffered by the parent or not. Scientists have in the recent years been able to find cures to various diseases by using DNA components of disease resistant beings. Teaching DNA is also necessary as it leads to the improvement of agriculture and its products. Genetically modifying crops and livestock results in the creation of more productive and stronger breeds that are resistant to disease (Watson, 2004). In conclusion, we note that the study of DNA shows the fundamentals of all living things. DNA is appreciated in various fields as it interconnects living things with their nature and history, while at the same time can be used as a tool to improve beings to achieve higher standards. References  Watson, J.D. (2004) DNA: The Secret of Life.  U.K. Arrow Books Publishers. Read More