Francis Crick Autograph

Profession:
(1928-, Watson) & (1916-2004, Crick) American molecular biologists - they discoverered the structure of DNA

Year of Birth: 1916

Francis Crick was a British scientist who is best known for his co-discovery of the structure of DNA. Born on June 8, 1916, in Northampton, England, Crick attended University College London where he earned a degree in physics. After serving in World War II as a scientist for the British Admiralty, Crick decided to pursue a career in biology.

In 1953, along with James Watson, Crick discovered the double helix structure of DNA, a breakthrough that revolutionized the field of genetics. This discovery laid the foundation for understanding the molecular basis of inheritance and genetic diseases. Their work earned them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962.

Following his groundbreaking research on DNA, Crick continued to make important contributions to the field of biology. He helped establish the Central Dogma of molecular biology, which describes the flow of genetic information within a biological system. Crick also made significant contributions to our understanding of the brain, coining the term "neuronal plasticity" to describe the brain's ability to adapt and change.

Throughout his career, Crick was a dedicated advocate for scientific research and education. He served as a professor at various institutions, including the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California. Crick passed away on July 28, 2004, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century.