Relevant National Science Education Standards

Science as Inquiry — Students should realize that both Hitchings' and Elion's research began with questions such as How do cells reproduce? then proceeded to questions like What compounds can we use to limit the reproduction of cancer cells? Furthermore, when compounds were found that had some impact on the reproduction of cancer cells, there were still questions to be answered, such as How can we alter the strucutre of this molecule to make it a more effective cancer drug? The students should grasp that it is through scientific experimentation that Hitchings or any other researcher answers the questions facing them.

Physical Science — The molecular nature of matter is central to Hitchings' research, especially the concept that altering the structure of a molecule alters its properties, and this is how Hitchings was able to create new molecules to treat cancer. The students should realize it was by a process of gradually altering the molecular structures of drug-candidates was he able to tweak their properties until he arrived at safe and effective anticancer medicines.

Life Science — Central to Hitchings' research was the role that nucleic acids play in cell reproduction, which is tied to their importance in heredity. It was by using purine derivatives to interfere with cell reproduction that Hitchings found a key to treating cancer.

Science and Technology — Students should understand from this timeline that Hitchings took scientific understanding of the relationships between molecular structure and material properties applied it to design new anticancer drugs. This technology is what we call rational drug design.

Science in Personal and Social Perspectives — The readings clearly show the impact of science on a personal and community health issue, namely cancer.

History and Nature of Science — This timeline clearly shows science as a human endeavor, and how an individual's experience losing his father to disease urged him to pursue a career as a scientist fighting disease. Also central to the timeline are a historical perspective and the nature of scientific knowledge as gained through experimentation.

Relevant New Jersey State Science Education Standards

5.1	The principle of rational drug design, introduced in these readings, is a clear example of rational scientific inquiry.
5.2	This reading explores the early history of nucleic acid research, which lead to not only cancer treatments, but also the unravelling of the secrets of DNA.
5.4	The readings show science used to face the practical problem of cancer.
5.6	Molecular structures in this reading reinforce the atomic and molecular nature of matter.