DNA Day

Last updated
National DNA Day
Observed byBiologists, science teachers and students, anyone interested in genetics
SignificanceThe day celebrates the discovery and understanding of DNA and the scientific advances that understanding has made possible.
CelebrationsVarious
Date April 25
Next time25 April 2025 (2025-04-25)
FrequencyAnnual
DNA replication. The two base-pair complementary chains of the DNA molecule allow for replication of the genetic instructions. Dna-split.png
DNA replication. The two base-pair complementary chains of the DNA molecule allow for replication of the genetic instructions.

National DNA Day is a United States holiday celebrated on April 25. It commemorates the day in 1953 when James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, Rosalind Franklin and colleagues published papers in the journal Nature on the structure of DNA. [1] [2] [3] Furthermore, in early April 2003 it was declared that the Human Genome Project was very close to complete, and "the remaining tiny gaps were considered too costly to fill." [4] [5]

In the United States, DNA Day was first celebrated on April 25, 2003, by proclamation of both the Senate [6] and the House of Representatives. [7] However, they only declared a one-time celebration, not an annual holiday. Every year from 2003 onward, annual DNA Day celebrations have been organized by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), starting as early as April 23 in 2010, April 15 in 2011 [8] and April 20 in 2012. [9] April 25 has since been declared "International DNA Day" [10] [11] [12] and "World DNA Day" [13] [14] by several groups.

Genealogical DNA testing companies and genetic genealogy publishers run annual sales around DNA Day, seeking interest from the public and promoting their services. [15]

References

  1. ↑ Watson, James Dewey; Crick, Francis Harry Compton (1953-04-25). "Molecular structure of nucleic acids; a structure for deoxyribose nucleic acid" (PDF). Nature. 171 (4356): 737–738. Bibcode:1953Natur.171..737W. doi:10.1038/171737a0. PMID   13054692. S2CID   4253007.
  2. ↑ Franklin, Rosalind Elsie; Gosling, Raymond (1953-04-25). "Molecular configuration in sodium thymonucleate" (PDF). Nature. 171 (4356): 740–741. Bibcode:1953Natur.171..740F. doi:10.1038/171740a0. PMID   13054694. S2CID   4268222.
  3. ↑ Wilkins, Maurice Hugh Frederick; Stokes, Alexander Rawson; Wilson, Herbert R. (1953-04-25). "Molecular structure of deoxypentose nucleic acids" (PDF). Nature. 171 (4356): 738–740. Bibcode:1953Natur.171..738W. doi:10.1038/171738a0. PMID   13054693. S2CID   4280080.
  4. ↑ Noble, Ivan (2003-04-14). "Human genome finally complete". BBC News. Retrieved 2006-07-22.
  5. ↑ International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium (2004-10-21). "Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome". Nature. 431 (7011): 931–945. Bibcode:2004Natur.431..931H. doi: 10.1038/nature03001 . PMID   15496913.
  6. ↑ "A concurrent resolution designating April 2003 as "Human Genome Month" and April 25 as "DNA Day"" (PDF). United States Government Printing Office. 2003-02-27. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  7. ↑ "Recognizing the sequencing of the human genome as one of the most significant scientific accomplishments of the past one hundred years and expressing support for the goals and ideals of Human Genome Month and DNA Day". Library of Congress. Archived from the original on 2014-10-07. Retrieved 2011-04-16.
  8. ↑ "Join us April 15 for National DNA Day!". National Human Genome Research Institute. 2011-04-11. Retrieved 2011-04-16.
  9. ↑ "DNA Day 12". National Human Genome Research Institute. 2011-11-28. Archived from the original on 2012-01-27. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  10. ↑ "International DNA day to be celebrated". Biotechnology Society of Nepal. 2009-06-15. Archived from the original on 2009-06-15. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  11. ↑ Finley, Erica (2011-04-21). "Celebrate International DNA Day in Huntsville". Huntsville, Alabama. Archived from the original on 2019-04-21. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  12. ↑ "Annual International DNA Day at the University". Vilnius University. 2009-04-06. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  13. ↑ "International Consortium Publishes Sequence, Analysis Of The Human Genome". World High Technology Society. Archived from the original on 2012-07-21. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  14. ↑ "Genomes, Environments and Traits Conference". GET Conference. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  15. ↑ MacEntee, Thomas (2019-04-23). "Best Promo Codes, Coupons and Savings on DNA during National DNA Day Sale". National DNA Day. Archived from the original on 2020-02-25. Retrieved 2020-02-25.
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