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高二英语课外阅读材料（1） （1）DNA—the Secret of Life Part One On February 28,1953, two scientists named James Watson and Francis Crick astonished the scientific community by saying, “We have discovered the secret of life.” It was true. Crick and Watson had found the answer to one of the most important questions of biology—how do living things reproduce themselves? The answer is in a chemical in the human body called DNA. Every cell in our bodies contains our genes, which pass hereditary characteristics on to our children. Genes are made of the chemical DNA. Watson and Crick had succeeded in understanding the structure of DNA and how genes are able to reproduce themselves. The discovery of DNA has been called the most important biological work of the last 100 years. It has already had and will continue to have an enormous influence on our lives. We have already experienced the benefits in many areas. Part Two Story A Ten years ago John Waters killed a man. Although the police questioned him, they did not arrest him. As a result, until recently Waters was a free man. But when he committed the murder, Waters left some of his own cells on his victim. Two months ago, scientists decided to examine these cells. They compared the DNA from these cells with the DNA of people they had questioned. John Waters’s DNA matched exactly. Waters is now in prison. Should DNA testing be made a standard procedure in criminal investigations? Story B Mike Heathers is a young, successful businessman. He and his wife, Julia, decided to have children. Mike and Julia visited a surgeon and told him they wanted a good-looking, very intelligent child. Two months later Julia had a small but very expensive operation, using a technology called genetic engineering. Nine months later, a highly intelligent, good-looking baby was born. But what about all those who cannot afford to pay for this operation? Story C Mark Sawyer is a top athlete, and he wants to stay that way. About six months ago, Mark secretly visited