In 1869, Friedrich Miescher identified DNA, which he termed "nuclein," from pus cell nuclei.
Significant contributions include:
- Watson and Crick elucidated DNA's double-helix structure.
- Rosalind Franklin's X-ray diffraction work was crucial for structural determination.
- Griffith's transformation experiments proved DNA's role as genetic material.
Consequently, Friedrich Miescher is recognized for the foundational discovery of DNA.