How did the work of Watson and Crick build on the discoveries of Rosalind Franklin?

Rosalind Franklin's work using X-ray crystallography played a crucial role in unraveling the structure of DNA. Franklin's X-ray diffraction images of DNA fibers provided valuable insights into the molecule's structure, including the fact that DNA had a helical shape with regular repeating units.

Watson and Crick, on the other hand, utilized Franklin's data along with other scientific findings to propose the double helix model of DNA. They built upon Franklin's discoveries by using her X-ray diffraction images to deduce the helical structure of DNA and the specific pairing of the bases within the molecule.

Watson and Crick

Watson and Crick's model of the double helix provided a comprehensive explanation for how DNA carries genetic information and replicates. Their work revolutionized the field of genetics and molecular biology, laying the foundation for further research in these areas.

Rosalind Franklin

Rosalind Franklin's contribution to the discovery of the DNA structure is often overshadowed by Watson and Crick's fame. However, her groundbreaking work using X-ray crystallography was instrumental in guiding Watson and Crick towards their monumental discovery.

In conclusion, the work of Watson and Crick built upon Rosalind Franklin's discoveries by using her X-ray diffraction images to propose the double helix model of DNA. Their collaborative efforts significantly advanced our understanding of genetics and molecular biology.