The need for cutting DNA at specific points, James Watson

Interviewee: James Watson. After the structure of DNA was solved, scientists still had no way to study the small stretches of DNA that comprise genes. James Watson talks about what was needed to read the genetic message. (DNAi Location: Manipulation > Revolution > Players > James Watson > The next step)

After the genetic code was found we didn't know how to go forward. It was a big step but it was going to take the next one. The next one would somehow get us to specific genes, say the gene which made a hemoglobin molecule. But to get that gene we somehow had to find molecular scissors which would cut DNA at very specific points. If we could do that then maybe we could get the gene and read its message. Until we could read the messages, things like genetic diseases were beyond our grasp.

dna restriction enzymes,hemoglobin molecule,molecular scissors,james watson,genetic message,structure of dna,recombinant dna,genetic diseases,dnai,genetic code,interviewee,stretches,genes,grasp,manipulation,scientists

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