Friday, March 11, 2011

Rosalind Franklin

Rosalind “Rosie” Franklin was a hardworking female scientist that never received any recognition during her life time. I chose Franklin because she came from humble beginnings, and made a name for herself. She made a discovery that helped to fully understand the structure of DNA. James Watson, Francis Crick, and Maurice Wilkins took the picture she constructed, and used it to build a model. Later those men won the noble peace prize for her discoveries. She continued to work even though she was never recognized for her findings.  I believe Rosalind Franklin truly loved science, and I respect her for her hard work through difficult times.
Rosalind Franklin was responsible for much of the information that we know surrounding DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid.  She took X-ray photographs of DNA that were explained as, "the most beautiful X-ray photographs of any substance ever taken." She used X-ray crystallography to photograph the newly discovered A and B substances. Franklin discovered that the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA is located on the outside of the molecule.  Her findings further clarified what scientist today know about DNA.  

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