In the early 1950s, it became clear to many researchers that DNAwas the cellular molecule that carries genetic information. However,an understanding of the genetic properties of DNA couldonly be achieved through a detailed knowledge of its structure.To this end, several laboratories began a highly competitive raceto discover the three-dimensional structure of DNA, which endedwhen Watson and Crick published their now classic paper in 1953.Their model was based, in part, on an X-ray diffraction photographof DNA taken by Rosalind Franklin (Figure 9.10). Two ethical issuessurround this photo. First, the photo was given to Watson and Crickby Franklin’s co-worker, Maurice Wilkins, without her knowledge orconsent. Second, in their paper, Watson and Crick did not creditFranklin’s contribution. The fallout from these lapses lasted fordecades and raises some basic questions about ethics in science. What vital clues were provided by Franklin’s work to Watsonand Crick about the molecular structure of DNA?

Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305251052
Author:Michael Cummings
Publisher:Michael Cummings
Chapter8: The Structure, Replication, And Chromosomal Organization Of Dna
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 14QP: State the properties of the WatsonCrick model of DNA in the following categories: a. number of...
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In the early 1950s, it became clear to many researchers that DNA
was the cellular molecule that carries genetic information. However,
an understanding of the genetic properties of DNA could
only be achieved through a detailed knowledge of its structure.
To this end, several laboratories began a highly competitive race
to discover the three-dimensional structure of DNA, which ended
when Watson and Crick published their now classic paper in 1953.
Their model was based, in part, on an X-ray diffraction photograph
of DNA taken by Rosalind Franklin (Figure 9.10). Two ethical issues
surround this photo. First, the photo was given to Watson and Crick
by Franklin’s co-worker, Maurice Wilkins, without her knowledge or
consent. Second, in their paper, Watson and Crick did not credit
Franklin’s contribution. The fallout from these lapses lasted for
decades and raises some basic questions about ethics in science.

What vital clues were provided by Franklin’s work to Watson
and Crick about the molecular structure of DNA?

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