Rosalind Franklin
Definition
Rosalind Franklin was a British chemist and X-ray crystallographer who made fundamental contributions to the understanding of the structure of DNA. Her work was essential to the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick.
Franklin was born in London in 1920. She studied chemistry and physics at Cambridge University, and she then went on to do research at the University of Paris. In 1951, she joined the King's College London team that was working on the structure of DNA.
Franklin used X-ray crystallography to study the structure of DNA. X-ray crystallography is a technique that uses X-rays to study the structure of crystals. Franklin took X-ray diffraction images of DNA, which showed the patterns of scattering of X-rays by the DNA molecule. These images were very important to Watson and Crick, who used them to help them visualize the structure of DNA.
Franklin's work was not always appreciated by her male colleagues. She was often excluded from meetings and discussions, and her work was sometimes taken credit for by others. However, her work was ultimately essential to the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, and she is now considered one of the most important scientists of the 20th century.
Franklin died of ovarian cancer in 1958, at the age of 37. She is remembered as a brilliant scientist who made significant contributions to our understanding of biology. Her work has had a profound impact on our understanding of DNA, and it continues to be used by scientists today.
How can the word be used?
Rosalind Franklin was born on July 25, 1920, in London, England.
Different forms of the word
There is no word called "Rosalind Franklin". It is the name of a person.
Etymology
The name "Rosalind" is a feminine given name of Old French origin, meaning "little rose".
The name "Franklin" is a surname of English origin, meaning "free man".
Question
What is Rosalind Franklin famous for?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Discuss the contributions of Rosalind Franklin to the understanding of DNA structure and her impact on the field of genetics.
Answer:
Rosalind Franklin made significant contributions to the field of genetics, particularly in unravelling the structure of DNA. Through her expertise in X-ray crystallography, she produced high-quality images of DNA fibres, revealing critical insights into its structure. Her famous "Photo 51" provided evidence for the helical nature of DNA and the regularity of its repeating units.
Franklin's work was pivotal in guiding James Watson and Francis Crick towards their model of the DNA double helix. While her contributions were sometimes overshadowed, Watson himself acknowledged the influence of her data on their breakthrough. The understanding of DNA's structure was foundational in comprehending its role in genetic information storage and transfer.
Franklin's research had a lasting impact on genetics by setting the stage for modern molecular biology and genetic engineering. Her meticulous approach and dedication to scientific accuracy continue to inspire researchers in the fields of genetics and beyond. Her contributions serve as a reminder of the importance of recognising and honouring the work of all scientists in shaping our understanding of the natural world.