Have you ever been amazed by scientific breakthroughs? Throughout history, there have been many brilliant minds that have made significant discoveries, from Albert Einstein to Marie Curie. Today, we will explore the life and achievements of one such remarkable scientist – Rosalind Franklin!
Rosalind Franklin was born on July 25, 1920, in London, England. Growing up in a Jewish family with five siblings, she developed a passion for science at a young age. Encouraged by her parents, she attended St. Paul’s School for Girls, where she not only excelled in science but also became fluent in French, Italian, and German.
After completing high school, Franklin enrolled in Newnham College, one of the women’s colleges affiliated with Cambridge University. Her focus of study was physical chemistry.
During Franklin’s time in college, World War II broke out, leading to significant changes in her academic environment. Many of her professors left to contribute to the war effort, while others were detained due to their German heritage. One professor, Adrienne Weill, who was a Jewish refugee from France, became Franklin’s mentor.
Despite the challenges posed by the war, Franklin continued her studies and also served as an air raid warden. In this role, she provided first aid and extinguished fires caused by German bombs. She also reported bombing incidents to the Air Raid Wardens Service.
During her graduate studies, Franklin focused on studying the structure of coal, aiming to find ways to enhance its combustion efficiency. However, her research had an unexpected impact on the world. It contributed to the development of gas masks during World War II, as their filters utilized activated charcoal, influenced by Franklin’s findings.
Franklin became renowned as the first person to identify micro-structures in coal and other carbon-based substances. She successfully completed her dissertation and published five additional papers based on her research. In 1945, she obtained a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Cambridge.
After the war, Franklin relocated to Paris for a few years before returning to England in 1949. She joined the team at King’s College in London, where she embarked on groundbreaking research concerning the structure of DNA.
Franklin utilized x-ray images to gain deeper insights into the nature of DNA. On May 6, 1952, she captured a groundbreaking image called Photo 51, which revolutionized scientists’ understanding of DNA’s three-dimensional structure. By combining this photo with her other data, Franklin worked tirelessly to unravel the secrets of DNA’s structure.
During the same period, two scientists named Francis Crick and James Watson were also studying DNA. In January 1953, one of Franklin’s colleagues shared her unpublished work with them. Thanks to the crucial contributions of Photo 51 and Franklin’s data, Crick and Watson published their own model of the DNA structure. Unfortunately, Franklin did not receive the credit she deserved for her significant role. Crick and Watson later received a Nobel Prize for their work.
Despite this setback, Franklin continued her research on DNA and also delved into studying viruses and the structure of RNA. Her groundbreaking work laid the foundation for future scientists studying viruses, including the one responsible for COVID-19.
In 1956, Franklin was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and tragically passed away two years later, at the age of 37. Today, she is remembered as one of the most brilliant scientists of her time.
Give It a Try
Engage a friend or family member in the following activities:
Thanks to Rosalind Franklin’s contributions to the field of science, our understanding of DNA’s structure has been greatly enhanced. To delve deeper into her achievements, you can explore this article. Are you fascinated by DNA and genetics? Perhaps you’re intrigued by the intricate microscopic world. Engage in a conversation with a friend or family member about a scientific topic that piques your interest, such as chemistry or genetics, and expand your knowledge together.
What is your current knowledge of DNA? Grab a piece of paper and a writing tool, and create two columns. In one column, jot down the facts you already know about DNA—its functions and appearance. Then, refer to this article from Brittanica Kids to discover new insights about DNA and record them in the other column. Invite a friend or family member to participate in this activity and compare your findings.
Let’s embark on some interactive DNA learning activities! Enlist the assistance of a friend or family member, and select one of the engaging activities featured in this DNA Discovery Pack.
Wonder Sources
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosalind-Franklin (accessed 24 Feb. 2022)
- https://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/spotlight/kr/feature/biographical (accessed 24 Feb. 2022)
- https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02144-4 (accessed 24 Feb. 2022)
- https://embryo.asu.edu/pages/photograph-51-rosalind-franklin-1952 (accessed 24 Feb. 2022)
- https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/how-britain-prepared-for-air-raids-in-the-second-world-war (accessed 24 Feb. 2022)
- https://learnersdictionary.com/ (accessed 24 Feb. 2022)
FAQ
1. Who was Rosalind Franklin?
Rosalind Franklin was a British scientist who made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology. She is best known for her work on the X-ray diffraction images of DNA, which played a crucial role in the discovery of the structure of DNA.
2. What were Rosalind Franklin’s contributions to science?
Rosalind Franklin’s contributions to science were groundbreaking. Her X-ray diffraction images of DNA revealed the helical structure of the molecule, providing key insights for the understanding of DNA’s role in heredity. Additionally, her work on the structure of viruses helped pave the way for the development of vaccines.
3. How did Rosalind Franklin’s work impact the discovery of DNA’s structure?
Rosalind Franklin’s X-ray diffraction images, known as Photo 51, provided crucial evidence for the helical structure of DNA. These images were used by James Watson and Francis Crick, along with other scientific data, to propose the double helix model of DNA. Franklin’s work was instrumental in this discovery.
4. What obstacles did Rosalind Franklin face during her career?
Rosalind Franklin faced several obstacles during her career. She encountered sexism and discrimination in the male-dominated scientific community, which often hindered her progress. Additionally, her work was often overshadowed or not properly recognized until after her death.
5. What is Rosalind Franklin’s legacy?
Rosalind Franklin’s legacy is one of pioneering scientific research. Her contributions to the understanding of DNA’s structure laid the foundation for modern genetics and molecular biology. Despite the challenges she faced, Franklin’s work continues to inspire and influence scientists today.
6. How is Rosalind Franklin remembered today?
Rosalind Franklin is remembered as a brilliant scientist who made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology. Her work on the structure of DNA and viruses continues to be recognized and celebrated. Many institutions and awards have been established in her honor to commemorate her important scientific achievements.
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