A. In 1947 Francis Crick began working with Max Perutz at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge. He began working on a new sector of the Laboratory where X-ray crystallography was being used in order to study protein structure. Crick's thesis project at the university was on X-ray diffraction of proteins. Crick then met John Watson and together they solved the structure of DNA using available X-ray data at the time and model building. After discovering the double helix model, Crick and fellow scientists were members of the informal "RNA tie club," which was created in order "to solve the riddle of RNA structure, and to understand the way it builds proteins." The club’s primary subject was on the "Central Dogma" which stated that DNA was …show more content…
In 1982, Iota Sigma Pi designated Franklin a National Honorary Member. In 1993, King's College London placed a blue plaque on its outside wall bearing the inscription: "R. E. Franklin, R. G. Gosling, A. R. Stokes, M. H. F. Wilkins, H. R. Wilson – King's College London – DNA – X-ray diffraction studies – 1953." In 1998, National Portrait Gallery in London added Rosalind Franklin's portrait next to those of Francis Crick, James Watson and Maurice Wilkins. In 2005, the DNA sculpture (donated by James Watson) outside Clare College, Cambridge's Memorial Court incorporates the words "The double helix model was supported by the work of Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins." In 2008, Columbia University awarded an honorary Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize to Franklin, "for her seminal contributions to the discovery of the structure of …show more content…
Due to the discovery of DNA, mankind’s ability to diagnose and identify diseases has been increased substantially. We are also now better equipped to develop drugs that can specifically treat those diseases and pathogens. An individual’s susceptibility to diseases can also be identified. Through the study of DNA, replication and meiosis, it is now easier for us to trace paternal lines using genetic coding. DNA has aided in forensics to a large extent, enabling us to identify victims as well as suspects in crimes by use of evidence such as saliva, hair strands and blood which were previously of no use. Genetically modified crops have become a big talking point in the 21st century and the use of genetics to enhance the nutritional value of crops has enabled countries with micronutrient deficiencies to address this problem and feed the population. DNA will continue to revolutionize the fields of medicine, forensics and agriculture as time goes on and the understanding of DNA structure and function