Who first identified nucleic acids, and where were they discovered? Friedrich Meischer discovered nucleic acids in blood cells. Phoebus Levine discovered nucleic acids in plant cells. James Watson and Francis Crick discovered nucleic acids in DNA. Gerardus Johannes Mulder discovered nucleic acids in bacterial cells.

Friedrich Miescher was the first scientist to identify nucleic acids. In **1869**, Miescher discovered a substance he termed "nuclein" within the nuclei of **white blood cells** extracted from pus on surgical bandages. This groundbreaking discovery laid the foundation for our understanding of genetic material, later recognized as **DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)**. Here's a brief overview of the other scientists mentioned: 1. **Phoebus Levene**: In the early 20th century, Levene significantly advanced the study of nucleic acids by identifying their basic components—sugars, phosphate groups, and nitrogenous bases. He proposed the "tetranucleotide hypothesis," which, although later proven incorrect, was pivotal in advancing molecular biology. 2. **James Watson and Francis Crick**: In 1953, Watson and Crick famously elucidated the double helix structure of DNA, providing critical insights into how genetic information is stored and replicated. 3. **Gerardus Johannes Mulder**: Mulder was a Dutch chemist who, in the late 19th century, analyzed the elemental composition of proteins and nucleic acids. His work helped establish the chemical nature of these essential biological molecules. **Summary:** Friedrich Miescher was the pioneer in identifying nucleic acids, discovering them in the nuclei of white blood cells in 1869.