Rosalind Franklin was a renowned
chemist from England who did pioneering work in the field of X-ray
crystallography. Born to rich family, she pursued her education from
premier institutions and was a bright student. Achieving stellar grades
in the matriculation examination she received a scholarship but her
father asked her to give the scholarship to deserving refugee student.
It was when she enrolled at Cambridge that her scientific career truly
began. She did an extensive study on coals and classified them into
different category on the basis of their efficiency as a fuel. During
one such study she was introduced to the technique of x-ray
crystallography and Rosalind was intrigued by its scope thus deciding on
pursuing a career in this field. She used x-ray imagery of coal to
understand the changes occurring at molecular level in carbon when
amorphous coal changes to solid graphite. Next she embarked on her most
important discovery, the structure of DNA molecule. Working with Maurice
Wilkins and a doctorate student Raymond Gosling, she was able to
correctly assess the structure of DNA. Her theory that DNA consists of
two helical structures was later confirmed by scientists James Watson
and Francis Crick. She also played an important role in deciphering the
RNA structure. Read on to know more about her life and works.
Childhood & Early Life
Born
to British Jews, Ellis Arthur Franklin and Muriel Frances Waley on July
25, 1920, Rosalind Franklin was their second child. Arthur was a
teacher of physics, specializing in electro-magnetism, at an adult
education institute.
Major Works
Rosalind’s
contribution in the field of x-ray crystallography is unparalleled; her
studies on different forms of carbon and optimisation of coal were
crucial in the manufacture of wartime devices like gas masks. She also
made significant contribution in explaining the true structure of DNA
and RNA.
Trivia
This famous scientist was fond of outdoor activities like trekking and travelling places.
