Biotechnology: Crash Course History of Science

The video explores the history and significance of DNA discovery, highlighting key figures like Watson, Crick, and Franklin. It discusses the race to uncover DNA's structure, the central dogma of genetics, and the rise of biotechnology. The narrative covers the impact of DNA on understanding life, evolution, and industrial applications, including genetic engineering and synthetic insulin production.

What was the main challenge scientists faced in understanding DNA in the early 20th century?

• Understanding the function of proteins

• Determining the structure of DNA

• Identifying the elements in DNA

• Finding the location of DNA in the cell

Who was the scientist that incorrectly proposed a triple helix structure for DNA?

• Rosalind Franklin

• James Watson

• Francis Crick

• Linus Pauling

What technique did Rosalind Franklin use to capture images of DNA?

• Nuclear magnetic resonance

• Electron microscopy

• X-ray crystallography

• Ultrasound imaging

What is the central dogma of genetics as first expressed by Crick?

• Proteins to RNA to DNA

• DNA to RNA to proteins

• RNA to DNA to proteins

• DNA to proteins to RNA

What was the purpose of the RNA Tie Club founded by Watson and Gamow?

• To promote RNA research in universities

• To develop new RNA-based therapies

• To decode the genetic code

• To discover the structure of RNA

What did the Miller-Urey experiment demonstrate?

• RNA is the first genetic material

• DNA can be synthesized in a lab

• Amino acids can form from non-living materials

• Life originated from outer space

How did DNA discoveries change the study of evolution?

• By focusing on physical traits

• By using molecular techniques

• By ignoring genetic mutations

• By emphasizing environmental factors

What is recombinant DNA technology primarily used for?

• Editing genetic material

• Mapping the human genome

• Creating new species

• Studying ancient DNA

What was the significance of the Diamond v. Chakrabarty case?

• It promoted open-source biotechnology

• It restricted DNA research to universities

• It allowed patenting of bioengineered organisms

• It banned genetic engineering

What was one of the first industrial applications of recombinant DNA technology?

• Producing synthetic insulin

• Developing new antibiotics

• Creating genetically modified crops

• Synthesizing artificial flavors