DNA: Models and Meaning

Abstract

Through observation, experimentation, and inspired speculation, what at first were vague and inchoate notions of the gene became increasingly more finely focused. Still, despite accurate conclusions being drawn about the gene—its location in the chromosome and its key role in the life of the cell and in heredity—the molecular architecture and exact function of the gene remained mysteries until halfway through the twentieth century. In our telling of the tale of the penetration of those mysteries we need to introduce some technical details here. These details center around the DNA molecule and its activities within the cell.