Download My Research: DNA Double Helix The double helix was

Ashlyn Testut
Math 2033
My Research: DNA Double Helix
The double helix was discovered by the molecular biologists James D. Watson and Francis H. C.
Crick. It is the symbol of the molecule of life, before this astounding discovery we had hardly
any research into genetics and the human organism seemed more complex than ever. The
discovery of the double helix opened doors for all scientific fields especially those of math and
science.
Interestingly the double helix is a geometric shape and this is one of the main reasons I chose to
knit one. Its pattern can go on forever and this is what allows us to have our own genome full of
individual traits and combinations that make us all unique using one rather simplistic form. I say
that it is simplistic because in the scheme of things its mathematical equation is rather basic
despite its incredible significance. Here is some mathematical research I found from the
Mathematical Association of America:
“The equation of the helix is quite unremarkable. In terms of a single parameter t, the equation is
x = a cos t, y = a sin t, z = b t
This is simply a circular locus in the xy-plane subjected to constant growth in the z-direction.”
Although the structure in itself is fascinating, there is not a lot of math involved. Most of the
math regarding the double helix came from its discovery. James D. Watson and Francis H. C.
Crick could have never made the discovery without the help of math.
“Crick's own work on the x-ray defraction pattern of a helix was a significant step in solving the
structure of DNA, which involved significant applications of mathematics (Fourier transforms,
Bessel functions, etc.). Based on these theoretical calculations, Watson quickly recognized the
helical nature of DNA when he saw one of Rosalind Franklin's x-ray diffraction patterns. In
particular, Watson and Crick looked for parameters that came from the discrete nature of the
DNA helices.” – Mathematics Association of America
While creating the pattern for the DNA helix I was struck by how symmetrical and how quickly
the pattern repeated itself making for an easy and fun design that could cover most any surface.
The pattern I followed was 20 stitches by 40 rows to create the base pattern that could then go on
to be repeated as many times as you like and it looks the same upside down as right side up
making a terrific scarf pattern.
Ashlyn Testut
Math 2033
Here are some pictures of the process I went through to knit the DNA double helix: