25 April 1953

Francis Crick and James Watson publish “Molecular Structure of Nucleic Acids: A Structure for Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid” describing the double helix structure of DNA.

The double helix structure of DNA is the shape that the DNA molecule takes. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the genetic material that carries the instructions for the development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms.

The double helix structure is made up of two strands of nucleotides that are twisted together in a helical shape. Each nucleotide is composed of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The nitrogenous bases in DNA are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).

The two strands of the double helix are held together by hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases. Specifically, adenine always pairs with thymine, and cytosine always pairs with guanine. This base-pairing rule is known as complementary base pairing.

The double helix structure of DNA is important because it allows for the faithful replication of the genetic material during cell division. The complementary base pairing ensures that the sequence of nucleotides in the original DNA molecule is accurately preserved in the newly synthesized DNA molecule. Additionally, the double helix structure protects the genetic information from damage and allows for the efficient storage and retrieval of genetic information.

9 November 1953

Cambodia gains independence from France.

Independence Day is a national holiday observed annually in Cambodia every 9 November. The date celebrates Cambodia’s Declaration of Independence from France on 9 November 1953. The site to celebrate the ceremony is at Independence Monument. The vital celebrations are held in the capital city, Phnom Penh although there are some celebrations in many provinces.

France started controlling Cambodia in 1863. After being colonized around 80 years, King Norodom Sihanouk began claiming dependence from France in 1949. In 1953, he was successful to gain full independence, and France agreed to decolonize the whole country. Due to this accomplishment, Cambodian citizens viewed him as “the father of independence, which depicts that he was the hero of the country. He made the country to develop rapidly.

Every year, Independence Day is a very special and happy day for the whole nation. It portrayed the Khmer success over colonization. It is celebrated in many places around the country, and the absolutely crucial one takes place at Independence Monument in Phnom Penh.

On that day, all the leaders and representatives of state organizations and public departments must participate and celebrate the formal ceremony in the morning. Usually the roads around the Independence Monument are closed to provide the space for the ceremony. The whole ceremony is broadcast on national television and radio. Other channels also broadcast it from the National TV. Therefore, the people around the country can watch it.

Every state palace is decorated with some slogans related to the independence of Cambodia, and the lights. At night, there is firework in the Chatomuk River located in front of the Royal Palace. Because it is the holiday, there are a lot of people going out to see that event in front of the Royal Palace and Chroy Changvar area, which is opposite to the Royal Palace.