Danna and Nathans: Restriction enzymes and the boon to modern molecular biology

摘要

In 1971, a paper published in PNAS helped jump-start the era of modern molecular biology and biotechnology, eventually giving rise to many of the genetic advances that seem so commonplace today. The article, written by Academy member Daniel Nathans and his then graduate student, Kathleen Danna, exposed the marvelous utility of restriction enzymes. In the accompanying Perspective highlighting this classic work of scientific literature, Rich Roberts provides a historical account of the scientific discoveries leading up to the PNAS paper and the unparalleled scientific advances made after its publication.