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Rosalind Franklin: A Brief Overview Of Genetics Forgotten Bright Mind

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Rosalind Franklin: A Brief Overview of Genetics’ Forgotten Bright Mind
Rosalind Elsie Franklin is one of the more mysterious and misunderstood figures in science. This is to such a degree that many individuals may not even know about her or what she did. However, to those who do know, the story of this bright female scientist is one clouded in mystery, debate, and sexist influence. This develops the question, who is Rosalind Franklin, what is she known (or rather unknown) for, and what can be learned from her story? Through some careful research and consideration, the major details of Franklin’s life can be explained relatively easily.
Before covering the accomplishments Franklin made, some basic background information is needed to properly …show more content…

Most individuals are familiar with the double helix structure of DNA and the scientists who supposedly discovered it, Watson and Crick. However, this is not the full story. Franklin had expertise that would prove instrumental in developing this model. She used a technique called X-ray diffraction to create an image of the molecule by “[producing] a pattern on a photographic plate. Dr. Franklin then performed mathematical computations to analyze the pattern in an attempt to reveal its structure.” (“Dr. Rosalind Franklin”). Up until this point, the shape and structure of DNA was unknown. This attempt by Franklin produced the first image of a DNA molecule. However, she did not manage to discover the double helix structure on her own. Watson and Crick would be given credit for this achievement after “[gleaning] crucial insights about DNA's structure from one of her x-ray diffraction photos shown to them by Wilkins… Watson and Crick never told Franklin that they had seen her materials, and they did not directly acknowledge their debt to her work” (Biographical Overview). As explained here, Watson and Crick managed to get away with the blatant theft of Franklin’s research. This is simply another example of great female minds in STEM not getting the recognition they are entitled to. Of course, in modern times, Franklin’s contributions to the double helix model are known and appreciated. However, she should’ve received attribution much earlier. Overall, Franklin’s contribution to genetics is invaluable and she deserves far more credit and recognition than she

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