60 years ago, Francis Crick changed the logic of biology

PLoS Biol. 2017 Sep 18;15(9):e2003243. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2003243. eCollection 2017 Sep.

Abstract

In September 1957, Francis Crick gave a lecture in which he outlined key ideas about gene function, in particular what he called the central dogma. These ideas still frame how we understand life. This essay explores the concepts he developed in this influential lecture, including his prediction that we would study evolution by comparing sequences.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Biological Evolution
  • Biology / history*
  • Famous Persons*
  • Gene Expression*
  • History, 20th Century

Grants and funding

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Sydney Brenner Research Scholarship. The funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.