Question 4 of 4advanced⚖️ EvaluateLong Answer5 marks

You must have read about cells and DNA in your science books. Discuss Richard Ebright's work in the light of what you have studied. If you get an opportunity to work like Richard Ebright on projects and experiments, which field would you like to work on and why?

Correct Answer

Richard Ebright's work is deeply connected to the study of cells and DNA. While looking at X-ray photos of the chemical structure of a hormone, Ebright developed a new theory about cell life. He discovered how the cell can 'read' the blueprint of its DNA. DNA is the substance in the nucleus of a cell that controls heredity and determines the form and function of the cell, making it the blueprint for life.

Ebright and his college room-mate, James R. Wong, worked all night drawing pictures and constructing plastic models of molecules to explain their theory. They wrote a paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, making Ebright the first college student published in this important journal.

If proven correct, Ebright's theory could be a big step towards understanding the processes of life. It might also lead to new ideas for preventing some types of cancer and other diseases. His journey from studying insect hormones to his cell life theory shows how curiosity and real experiments lead to great discoveries.

If I get an opportunity to work like Richard Ebright, I would like to work in the field of DNA research and disease prevention. Ebright's work shows that understanding how cells read their DNA blueprint can help prevent diseases like cancer. Working in this field would allow me to contribute to finding cures for life-threatening diseases and make a real difference to humanity.

Exercise: Think about it | Q: 2 | (Page 7)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The question has two parts: discussing Ebright's work related to cells and DNA, and sharing a personal preference for a field of research. From the context, Ebright's key contribution was his theory about how cells 'read' the blueprint of DNA, developed from X-ray photos of hormone structure. DNA controls heredity and determines cell form and function. His theory could lead to preventing cancer and other diseases. The second part requires a personal response supported by reasoning drawn from the context.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Explain Ebright's work on cells and DNA - his theory about how cells read the DNA blueprint, developed from X-ray photos of a hormone's chemical structure

  2. Step 2: Define DNA as mentioned in context - substance in nucleus controlling heredity, determining form and function, the blueprint for life

  3. Step 3: Describe the significance of Ebright's theory - understanding processes of life, potential for preventing cancer and diseases

  4. Step 4: Give personal response about preferred field of work with reasoning based on the context