Why did Rosalind Franklin choose to work with DNA?
She was an expert in a technique called X-ray crystallography. Her work would hold the key to discovering the structure of DNA, the blueprint of life. At the age of 15, Rosalind Franklin decided she wanted to become a scientist. Her father did not like this at all, because it was not considered to be appropriate.
Did Rosalind Franklin get a Nobel Prize for DNA?
Why did Rosalind Franklin (pre-discovered DNA helix) not get a Nobel Prize? Short answer : Sadly, at age 37, she succumbed to cancer — and the Nobel Prize is not posthumously awarded. Thanks for asking, Madison!
Why did Rosalind Franklin want to be a scientist?
Rosalind Franklin was extremely intelligent and she knew by the age of 15 that she wanted to be a scientist. Her father actively discouraged her interest since it was very difficult for women to have such a career.
What did Rosalind Franklin do with the structure of DNA?
When water was extracted from this fibre, its structure showed orderly, repetitive, quasi-crystalline properties. Rosalind Franklin developed methods of adding water to A-form DNA. With the help of her X-ray diagrams, Franklin was able to show that the structure of the DNA had changed after the water was removed.
See more
Who was Rosalind Franklin and what was her contribution to the study of DNA?
Rosalind Elsie Franklin, the brilliant chemist whose x-ray diffraction studies provided crucial clues to the structure of DNA and quantitatively confirmed the Watson-Crick DNA model, was born in London on July 25, 1920, the second of five children in a prominent Anglo-Jewish family.
What was the contribution of Rosalind Franklin to the discovery of DNA's structure quizlet?
What did Rosalind Franklin contribute to the effort to identify the structure of DNA? producing images of DNA molecules using X-rays.
What was Rosalind Franklin's discovery?
the double helix structure of DNARosalind Franklin made a crucial contribution to the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, but some would say she got a raw deal. Biographer Brenda Maddox called her the "Dark Lady of DNA," based on a once disparaging reference to Franklin by one of her coworkers.
What was Rosalind Franklin's first major discovery about DNA?
Rosalind Franklin discovered the density of DNA and, more importantly, established that the molecule existed in a helical conformation. Her work to make clearer X-ray patterns of DNA molecules laid the foundation for James Watson and Francis Crick's suggestion that DNA is a double-helix polymer in 1953.
What was Rosalind Franklin best known for?
Our university was dedicated in 2004 to Rosalind Franklin, PhD, the brilliant and trailblazing scientist whose Photo 51 revealed the double helix of DNA — a discovery that was essential in unlocking the mystery to how life is passed down from generation to generation.
What are 3 things Rosalind Franklin is known for?
Top 5 Rosalind Franklin FactsRosalind Franklin was a biophysicist. Rosalind was born in July 1920 and knew she wanted to be a scientist from a very young age. ... She studied coal. ... X-ray diffraction and DNA. ... She has an asteroid named after her. ... She helped lay the foundation for the field of structural virology.
What did Rosalind Franklin discover?
Rosalind Franklin is known for her role (largely unacknowledged during her lifetime) in discovering the helical structure of DNA, a discovery credited to Watson, Crick, and Wilkins—received a Nobel Prize for physiology and medicine in 1962. Franklin might have been included in that prize, had she lived. She was born on July 25, 1920, and died on April 16, 1958. she was a biophysicist, physical chemist, and molecular biologist.
Who wrote Rosalind Franklin's biography?
Anne Sayre wrote a biography of Rosalind Franklin, responding to the lack of credit given to her and the descriptions of Franklin by Watson and others. The wife of another scientist at the laboratory and a friend of Franklin, Sayre describes the clash of personalities and the sexism that Franklin faced in her work.
What did Watson's book recount about Rosalind Franklin?
Watson's book recounting his role in the discovery of DNA displays his dismissive attitude toward "Rosy.". Crick's description of Franklin's role was less negative than Watson's, and Wilkins mentioned Franklin when he accepted the Nobel. Anne Sayre wrote a biography of Rosalind Franklin, responding to the lack of credit given to her and ...
Why did Aaron Klug use Rosalind Franklin's notebooks?
Aaron Klug used Franklin's notebooks to show how close she had come to independently discovering the structure of DNA. In 2004, the Finch University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School changed its name to the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science to honor Franklin's role in science and medicine.
Where was Rosalind Franklin born?
Early Life. Rosalind Franklin was born in London. Her family was well-off; her father worked as a banker with socialist leanings and taught at the Working Men's College. Her family was active in the public sphere. A paternal great-uncle was the first practicing Jew to serve in the British Cabinet.
When was DNA discovered?
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) was originally discovered in 1898 by Johann Miescher, and it was known that it was a key to genetics. But it was not until the middle of the 20th century when scientific methods had developed to where the actual structure of the molecule could be discovered, and Rosalind Franklin's work was key to that methodology.
Who published the B form of DNA?
Rosalind Franklin and Raymond G. Gosling [research student working with Franklin]. Article in Nature published April 25, 1953, with Franklin's photograph of the B form of DNA. In the same issue as Watson and Crick's article announcing the double-helix structure of DNA.
What was Rosalind Franklin's contribution to the discovery of DNA?
The base of genetic biochemistry was stabilized by Rosalind Franklin’s contributions to the discovery of the structure of DNA….This knowledge has helped scientists discover other biological breakthroughs that would’ve otherwise been impossible. Told from the viewpoint of Rosalind Franklin, she expresses the struggles of completing all ...
What did Rosalind Franklin do to help the biochemistry field?
Rosalind Franklin’s work helped pave a new road for biochemistry to travel.”. “The base of genetic biochemistry was stabilized by Rosalind Franklin’s contributions to the discovery of the structure of DNA.
What did Rosalind Franklin do?
Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958) was an English biophysicist who made critical scientific contributions to our knowledge of DNA. Her data enabled crucial breakthroughs in the field of biochemistry, notably the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure. For Texas History Day, Danielle Maldonado produced a video performance of Franklin’s life and work, outlining her achievements and explaining what life would have been like for the iconic scientist. You can watch her dramatic and historical performance here. Danielle argues that Fanklin’s work represented a major turning point in history:
Who produced the video of Franklin's life and work?
For Texas History Day, Danielle Maldonado produced a video performance of Franklin’s life and work, outlining her achievements and explaining what life would have been like for the iconic scientist.
Who is credited with the discovery of DNA?
James Watson, Francis Crick, and Maurice Wilkins are. If you don’t, they are credited with the discovery of the structure of DNA. They won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962.
Is DNA a puzzle?
In the 21st century, being able to recognize and treat genetically inherited diseases and disorders impacts our lives greatly. The structure of DNA is one more puzzle we were able to solve, though not all puzzles are solvable.
What is the name of the play that depicts Franklin as the only woman doing DNA research then in a man'?
In Washington, a play at the Jewish Community Center called “Photograph 51” depicts Franklin as the only woman doing DNA research then in a man’s world. The play coincides with women's history month in the US.
What does Topol hope people who see the play will learn about Franklin?
Topol hopes people who see the play will not only learn about Franklin but will have a better understanding of her. “I want people to think about everything Rosalind Franklin accomplished, and how much more she could have accomplished had she not been isolated and marginalized and misunderstood and discriminated against,” she said.
Did Watson give credit to Franklin?
During the ceremony, no credit was given to Franklin. And Watson has largely dismissed her role. But Crick, who died in 2004, has said Franklin was only “two steps away” from solving the DNA puzzle.
Who started building the B-DNA model?
Using data similar to what the King's College team had, Cambridge University research ers Watson and Crick started building their model of B-DNA structure. Neither laboratory was aware of how far along in their work the other lab was.
Did Rosalind's father support her?
By some accounts, he disdained her chosen vocation and refused to support her . However, her sister says all of those stories are hogwash; Rosalind enjoyed the full support of her parents and family. To wit, when she earned a scholarship for academic excellence, her father urged her to find a refugee student to give it to while paying for her education himself.
What did Franklin discover about DNA?
In 1951 Franklin joined the Biophysical Laboratory at King’s College, London, as a research fellow. There she applied X-ray diffraction methods to the study of DNA. When she began her research at King’s College, very little was known about the chemical makeup or structure of DNA. However, she soon discovered the density of DNA and, more importantly, established that the moleculeexisted in a helical conformation. Her work to make clearer X-ray patterns of DNA molecules laid the foundation for James Watsonand Francis Crickto suggest in 1953 that the structure of DNA is a double-helix polymer, a spiral consisting of two DNA strands wound around each other.
What did Rosalind Franklin do to help the field of virology?
Rosalind Franklin contributed new insight on the structure of viruses, helping to lay the foundation for the field of structural virology. Her work investigating the physical chemistryof carbonand coalled to her research on the structural changes caused by the formation of graphitein heated carbons—which proved valuable for the coking industry.
What is Rosalind Franklin known for?
Rosalind Franklin, in full Rosalind Elsie Franklin, (born July 25, 1920, London, England—died April 16, 1958, London), British scientist best known for her contributions to the discovery of the molecular structure of deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA ), a constituent of chromosomes that serves to encode genetic information.
What is the structure of DNA?
Her work to make clearer X-ray patterns of DNA molecules laid the foundation for James Watson and Francis Crick to suggest in 1953 that the structure of DNA is a double-helix polymer, a spiral consisting of two DNA strands wound around each other. DNA structure.
What did Franklin do in the 1940s?
After graduating in 1941, she received a fellowship to conduct research in physical chemistry at Cambridge. But the advance of World War IIchanged her course of action: not only did she serve as a London air raid warden, but in 1942 she gave up her fellowship in order to work for the British Coal Utilisation Research Association, where she investigated the physical chemistry of carbonand coalfor the war effort. Nevertheless, she was able to use this research for her doctoral thesis, and in 1945 she received a doctorate from Cambridge. From 1947 to 1950 she worked with Jacques Méring at the State Chemical Laboratory in Paris, studying X-ray diffractiontechnology. That work led to her research on the structural changes caused by the formation of graphitein heated carbons—work that proved valuable for the cokingindustry.
Who was the scientist who discovered the double helix structure of DNA?
British scientist Rosalind Franklin took the critical X-ray image of DNA that enabled biochemists James Watson and Francis Crick to elucidate the double helix structure of the molecule. Franklin died before Watson and Crick received the 1962 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. British astronomer Jocelyn Bell….
Who discovered the density of DNA?
Rosalind Franklin discovered the density of DNA and, more importantly, established that the molecule existed in a helical conformation. Her work to make clearer X-ray patterns of DNA molecules laid the foundation for James Watson and Francis Crick ’s suggestion that DNA is a double-helix polymer in 1953.
Who discovered the structure of DNA?
KLUG, A. Rosalind Franklin and the Discovery of the Structure of DNA. Nature 219, 808–810 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1038/219808a0
Is there a 2 chain helix in sodium desoxyribonucleate?
Evidence for 2-chain helix in crystalline structure of sodium desoxyribonucleate. Nature, 172, 156 (1953).
What did Rosalind Franklin do with x-rays?
Aug 1, 2014. Rosalind Franklin used x-rays to take a picture of DNA that would change biology. Franklin graduated with a doctorate in physical chemistry from Cambridge University in 1945 and returned to England in 1951 as a research associate in John Randall's laboratory at King's College in London and soon encountered Maurice Wilkins, ...
Who published the DNA structure?
Photo 51 enabled Watson, Crick, and Wilkins to deduce the correct structure for DNA, which they published in a series of articles in the journal Nature in April 1953. Franklin also published in the same issue, providing further details on DNA's structure.
Who was the first person to decipher the DNA structure?
Franklin's image of the DNA molecule was key to deciphering its structure, but only Watson, Crick, and Wilkins received the 1962 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their work.

Early Life
Studies
- Rosalind Franklin developed her interest in science at school, and by age 15 she decided to become a chemist. She had to overcome the opposition of her father, who did not want her to attend college or become a scientist; he preferred that she go into social work. She earned her Ph.D. in chemistry in 1945 at Cambridge. After graduating, Rosalind Franklin stayed and worked …
Studying DNA
- Rosalind Franklin joined the scientists at the Medical Research Unit, King's College when John Randall recruited her to work on the structure of DNA. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)was originally discovered in 1898 by Johann Miescher, and it was known that it was a key to genetics. But it was not until the middle of the 20th century when scientific met...
Cancer
- In 1956, Franklin discovered she had tumors in her abdomen. She continued to work while undergoing treatment for cancer. She was hospitalized at the end of 1957, returned to work in early 1958, but soon became unable to work. She died in April. Rosalind Franklin did not marry or have children; she conceived of her choice to go into science as giving up marriage and children.
Legacy
- Watson, Crick, and Wilkins were awarded the Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine in 1962, four years after Franklin died. The Nobel Prize rules limit the number of people for an award to three and also limit the award to those who are still alive, so Franklin was not eligible for the Nobel. Nevertheless, many have thought that she deserved explicit mention in the award and that her k…
Career Highlights
- Fellowship, Cambridge, 1941-42: gas-phase chromatography, working with Ronald Norrish (Norrish won a 1967 Nobel in chemistry)
- British Coal Utilisation Research Association, 1942-46: studied physical structure of coal and graphite
- Laboratoire Central des Services Chimiques de l'Etat, Paris, 1947-1950: worked with x-ray cry…
- Fellowship, Cambridge, 1941-42: gas-phase chromatography, working with Ronald Norrish (Norrish won a 1967 Nobel in chemistry)
- British Coal Utilisation Research Association, 1942-46: studied physical structure of coal and graphite
- Laboratoire Central des Services Chimiques de l'Etat, Paris, 1947-1950: worked with x-ray crystallography, working with Jacques Mering
- Medical Research Unit, King's College, London; Turner-Newall fellowship, 1950-1953: worked on the structure of DNA
Education
- St. Paul's Girls' School, London: one of the few schools for girls that included scientific study
- Newnham College, Cambridge, 1938-1941, graduated 1941 in chemistry
- Cambridge, Ph.D. in chemistry, 1945
Family
- Father: Ellis Franklin
- Mother: Muriel Waley Franklin
- Rosalind Franklin was one of four children, the only daughter
Key Writings by Or About Rosalind Franklin
- Rosalind Franklin and Raymond G. Gosling [research student working with Franklin]. Article in Naturepublished April 25, 1953, with Franklin's photograph of the B form of DNA. In the same issue as W...
- J. D. Bernal. "Dr. Rosalind E. Franklin." Nature182, 1958.
- James D. Watson. The Double Helix.1968.
- Rosalind Franklin and Raymond G. Gosling [research student working with Franklin]. Article in Naturepublished April 25, 1953, with Franklin's photograph of the B form of DNA. In the same issue as W...
- J. D. Bernal. "Dr. Rosalind E. Franklin." Nature182, 1958.
- James D. Watson. The Double Helix.1968.
- Aaron Klug, "Rosalind Franklin and the discovery of the structure of DNA." Nature219, 1968.