![]() We now know that Miescher's "nuclein" (later renamed nucleic acid, for its acidic chemical properties) contained DNA. He called this substance "nuclein" because it was found in the nucleus of the cells. He found that the nucleus of these cells was rich in a then-unknown substance that contained several elements, among them phosphorous and nitrogen. Because white blood cells are the principal component of pus, Miescher would go to the nearby hospital and collect pus from used bandages. Friedrich Miescher, a Swiss chemist working in Germany, was studying white blood cells (leukocytes). ![]() Scientists first began to investigate the unique chemical properties of DNA long before the structure of the molecule was understood, and even before DNA was discovered to be the genetic material. As we all know, living things do eventually age and deteriorate, much like the old house and rusty car, but by making copies of our DNA and passing it to our offspring, life continues. And it is the unique chemical properties of DNA that allow it to generate copies of itself. To do this, they must first copy their genetic material, their DNA (see our DNA I module for more information). ![]() This is because living things have a fascinating and somewhat unique ability to reproduce and make "copies" of themselves. Your children are no weaker or more likely to fall to pieces than you are. Yet, life on Earth continues to flourish. Most objects you are familiar with will eventually fall into ruin if not constantly maintained: a car will eventually rust and fall to pieces a house will spring leaks in the roof and fall to the ground even mountain ranges are eroded by wind and rain. Understanding Scientific Journals and Articles.Using Graphs and Visual Data in Science.Scientists and the Scientific Community.Scientific Notation and Order of Magnitude.The Case of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker.Santiago Ramón y Cajal and Camillo Golgi. ![]()
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