The Discovery of DNA
Before the discovery of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the causes of diseases were not fully know and people did not always get the degree of medical attention that they needed. The lack of knowledge in the medical field led to many deaths that today can be easily prevented. The discovery of deoxyribonucleic acid was cumulative effort through many scientists and a breakthrough in genetic research as this event was crucial to developing treatments and understanding diseases.
Friedrich Miescher was the first to discover DNA in 1869, but was not sure what the substance actually was. Later, the substance was given the name deoxyribonucleic acid. Expanding on this discovery, Albrecht Kossel identified the five bases that make
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When DNA is unable to correctly repair itself, a mutation occurs, sometimes harmless, but other times deadly. Cancer develops during the times where the mutation is deadly. As a cure is being investigated, the knowledge we have about DNA is vital to saving people’s lives.
Through DNA sequencing, scientists can help people identity what diseases they would be at risk for later in their lives. After a person’s genes are observed, they then can see what diseases they are likely to develop. This method has been proven effective through a study in inherited kidney disease. By knowing personal information and what ailments a person is subject to early on, that person can be prepared for the disease and attack it the disease in its early stages for a better chance of survival
Gene therapy is a treatment that alters the genes in a person’s DNA in an effort to cure a specific disease. Now that scientists have a better understanding of DNA than before, they are beginning to manipulate a person’s DNA to express the correct genes and . First performed in 1990, an immunodeficiency disorder was cured in a young girl who then lived a healthy life afterwards. While this cure is not yet widespread, it is preparing to be a common procedure that gives a light to people and families affected by