Rosalind Franklin
The pioneering scientist whose research helped reveal the structure of DNA.
Early Years
Rosalind Franklin was born on the 25th of July, 1920 in London, England. Although born in a time when women were advised to not pursue science, when she was 16 Franklin decided that she wished to study science. After enrolling at the University of Cambridge, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in physical chemistry in 1941.
Post Degree
Franklin was awarded the opportunity to pursue physical chemistry at the University of Cambridge with future Nobel laureate Ronald Norrish. However, she felt a sense of obligation to serve her country, leading to her to work for the British Coal Utilization Research Association during World War 2. As a part of her work, Franklin studied the properties of coal and carbon (applying her studies to her work).
Post PhD
Franklin completed a PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Cambridge in 1945. With French Engineer Jacques Mering, she began a research fellowship to Paris where she learnt about X-Ray Crystallography (using X-rays to map the arrangement of atoms inside crystalline and amorphous materials). She applied her newfound knowledge to study the structure of carbon and graphite fibers, later Franklin published papers on her research.
Get Oshi’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Discovering the Structure of DNA
In 1951, Franklin joined Sir. John Randall at King’s College London to research the structure of DNA with Maurice Wilkons (someone who she disputed with a lot) and Ray Gosling (graduate student). Although discussions with James Watson and Francis Crick at the University of Cambridge were common in the laboratory of King’s College, she was often left out of these conversation, leading to Wilkins showing Watson an image of DNA that had been taken by Franklin and Gosling 8 months prior (this image is now known as Photograph 51) without her knowledge. This image was crucial, as it displayed the arrangement of DNA. Later, a page of Franklins data was provided to Watson and Crick without Franklin knowing. Although noted as an equal contributor upon publication of the findings, her efforts and research have been heavily overlooked.
Her Later Scientific Work
Franklin went on to apply her knowledge of crystallography to research the structure of a handful of viruses at Bribeck College, she received a hefty grant from the USA to continue her research. However, she unfortunately passed away in 1958, putting an end to her research.
Impact
In 1962, Watson, Crick, and Wilkins won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Franklin was deemed “ineligible” to win the prize as she had passed away. If it weren’t for her large contributions, the structure of DNA might not have been solved for a very long time. Although she hadn’t received enough credit for her efforts at the time of discovery, Franklin is a heavily recognized and inspiring figure for the science community.
Sources:
