Biography of Rosalind Franklin: The Forgotten Heroine of the DNA

We know that DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in nearly all organisms, encoding genetic information through sequences of four nitrogenous bases. But do you know who was the scientist whose meticulous X-Ray diffraction data led to the proposal of the Double Helix DNA model for the structure of the DNA?

Rosalind Franklin, a pivotal figure in genetics, utilized X-ray diffraction to reveal DNA’s helical structure, particularly through her famous “Photograph 51” taken in 1952. Her work laid the groundwork for Watson and Crick’s double helix model, although she received little recognition during her lifetime and passed away in 1958 before the Nobel Prize was awarded to her colleagues. Know about the unsung heroine of the DNA Double Helix Model.

Biography of Rosalind Franklin: Birth and Early Life

Rosalind Elsie Franklin was born on July 25, 1920, in Notting Hill, London, into a prominent Anglo-Jewish family known for its intellectual and humanitarian contributions. Her father, Ellis Franklin, was a merchant banker and educator, while her mother, Muriel Waley, was actively involved in social causes. The family valued education highly; Franklin’s schooling at St. Paul’s Girls’ School and Newnham College, Cambridge, in 1938 reflects their families perception for education.

Biography of Rosalind Franklin: Education

Rosalind Franklin attended St. Paul’s Girls’ School, where she excelled in science, particularly in physics and chemistry. In 1938, Rosalind got enrolled at Newnham College, Cambridge, one of the few women’s colleges, where she majored in physical chemistry. Despite the challenges posed by World War II, Franklin graduated in 1941 and received a fellowship to continue her research.

However, she left in 1942 to work at the British Coal Utilisation Research Association, where her work contributed to the war effort. She completed her PhD in physical chemistry in 1945, becoming one of the few women to achieve this distinction at the time.

Role in the Coal Research 

During World War II, Rosalind Franklin worked at the British Coal Utilisation Research Association (BCURA), where her research focused on the physical chemistry of coal. She studied coal’s porosity and its molecular behavior under varying temperatures, which was crucial for predicting fuel performance and improving gas mask filtration systems.

Her findings revealed how different types of coal allowed larger molecules to pass through, aiding wartime efforts. This significant work formed the basis of her PhD thesis, “The Physical Chemistry of Solid Organic Colloids with Special Reference to Coal,” which she completed in 1945, contributing greatly to both science and the war effort.

■ Also Read: Biography of Ada Lovelace:  The Countess of Lovelace and the First Computer Programmer   

Contribution to the Double Helix DNA Model: X- Ray Diffraction and Photo 51

Rosalind Franklin made pivotal contributions to unveiling the double helix structure of DNA through her expertise in X-ray crystallography. While working at King’s College London, she captured the famous “Photo 51,” which provided critical evidence of DNA’s helical structure. Her meticulous analysis revealed key dimensions and features of DNA, such as its density and the arrangement of nucleotides.

Although her work laid the groundwork for Watson and Crick’s model, Franklin’s contributions were often overlooked, and she did not receive recognition during her lifetime. Her research was integral to one of biology’s most significant discoveries, reshaping our understanding of genetics.

Impact Beyond DNA and Later Research of Structure of Virus

After her groundbreaking work on DNA, Rosalind Franklin shifted her focus to studying viruses, particularly the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and poliovirus. Her meticulous X-ray crystallography techniques provided significant insights into the structure of TMV, establishing it as a model for understanding viral genetics.

This research laid the groundwork for advancements in molecular biology and virology, influencing how scientists approached virus structure and function. Franklin’s contributions extended beyond DNA, reinforcing her legacy in scientific discovery and highlighting the importance of her work in understanding diseases, ultimately paving the way for future research in infectious diseases and vaccine development.

Biography of Rosalind Franklin: Gender Bias and the Struggles

Rosalind Franklin faced significant gender bias throughout her scientific career, which shaped her experiences in a male-dominated field. Despite excelling academically, she encountered resistance from her father, who deemed science unsuitable for women. At Cambridge, she was denied a full degree, receiving only a titular degree.

Her supervisor, Ronald Norrish, criticized her assertiveness and offered little support, while colleagues like James Watson belittled her contributions and referred to her in derogatory terms. Despite these challenges, Franklin persisted, making groundbreaking discoveries in DNA structure. Her story highlights the pervasive sexism in science and underscores the need for ongoing efforts toward gender equality.

Major Scientific Achievements and the Untimely Death

After the discovery of the Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) model, Rosalind Franklin made significant contributions to virology and molecular biology. At Birkbeck College, she focused on the TMV’s structure, utilizing X-ray diffraction to produce detailed images and elucidate its genetic material, RNA.

Franklin published numerous papers on her findings, revealing that TMV RNA is a single-strand helix embedded in protein. Her innovative techniques advanced X-ray crystallography and laid the groundwork for future research in virus structures until her untimely death in 1958 from ovarian cancer at the age of 37. 

Recognition and Honour of Rosalind Franklin

Rosalind Franklin’s contributions to science gained recognition posthumously, particularly for her role in discovering the DNA double helix structure. Although she did not receive a Nobel Prize during her lifetime, due to the committee’s rules against posthumous awards, her work was later acknowledged as crucial by scientists and historians. In 2004, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science was established in her honor, becoming a symbol of her legacy.

Additionally, her story has inspired discussions about gender bias in science, emphasizing the need for equitable recognition of women’s contributions, ensuring that Franklin’s impact is celebrated and remembered in scientific history.

Struggles of a Tatvdarshi Saint in the Kalyug

Everyone struggles in their lives to achieve success and materialistic advantages. But very few people struggle for others. The greatest struggle is the struggle for the welfare of others. The struggles of a Saint from Haryana are exemplary. 

Tatvdarshi Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj from Dhanana, Haryana is doing immense struggle to impart the knowledge of the Supreme God Kabir Saheb to mankind. Readers are requested to read the sacred book ‘Gyan Ganga’ and ‘Way of Living’ by Sant Rampal Ji.

Biography of Rosalind Franklin: FAQs

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