THE DNA £2 coin, marking the 50th anniversary of one of the last century's most important scientific discoveries, is introduced into general circulation from today.

The term DNA - or Deoxyribonucleic Acid - is now in everyday use and the double helix structure of two strands twisted around each other is instantly recognisable throughout the world.

Over the next few weeks the Royal Mint will issue millions of the specially- designed £2 coins through banks in the normal way.

As the coins turn up in change, they will act as a reminder to genetic scientists, doctors and hundreds of thousands of families throughout the United Kingdom of the significance of the discovery of the DNA structure by Francis Crick and James Watson.

Updated: 08:44 Monday, March 31, 2003