NOVA: Rosalind Franklin and the Secret of Photo 51

Introduction

• Post-WWII era marked by scientific discoveries: unlocking the atom and racing to understand the secret of life, DNA.
• May 1, 1952: Scientists gather at the Royal Society; an X-ray camera in London captures a 100-hour exposure of DNA.
• Key players: Francis Crick, James Watson, Morris Wilkins, and Rosalind Franklin.
• Franklin's X-ray image becomes essential to understanding DNA structure.

Importance of DNA

• DNA is the blueprint for life, responsible for heredity.
• 1962 Nobel Prize awarded to Watson, Crick, and Wilkins for DNA structure discovery.
• Watson's book "The Double Helix" introduces Rosalind Franklin but depicts her negatively.

Rosalind Franklin’s Background

• Born in London, 1920, into a wealthy, scholarly family.
• Education: St. Paul's Girls School and Cambridge University.
• Developed an interest in X-ray crystallography, revealing atomic structures.
• Worked on coal research during WWII, leading to a PhD and a position in Paris.

Franklin’s Work and Challenges

• Developed expertise in X-ray diffraction in Paris.
• Returned to England, joined King's College to study DNA.
• Faced sexism and unclear lab roles at King’s College.
• Disputes with Maurice Wilkins over lab roles and recognition.

Discoveries and Contributions

• Discovered two forms of DNA: A and B forms.
• Produced high-quality X-ray diffraction images, including the famous Photo 51.
• Photo 51 provided crucial evidence of DNA's helical structure.
• Franklin's work eventually led to the identification of the double helix structure.

The Race for the DNA Structure

• Watson and Crick at Cambridge pursuing DNA model building.
• Wilkins inadvertently shares Franklin’s data with Watson and Crick.
• Watson and Crick build on Franklin’s findings, reach the double helix model.
• Franklin's data played a critical role in their breakthrough.

Nobel Prize and Recognition

• 1962: Nobel Prize awarded to Watson, Crick, and Wilkins; Franklin excluded.
• Franklin's contributions largely unrecognized during her lifetime.
• Posthumous recognition of her work and legacy.

Legacy and Conclusion

• Franklin passed away in 1958, before the Nobel award.
• Her work in X-ray crystallography was fundamental to the understanding of DNA.
• Recognition includes the Rosalind Franklin Award by the Royal Society.
• Franklin’s commitment to science and humanity is celebrated, despite historical injustices.

Conclusion

• Rosalind Franklin's contributions were pivotal to the discovery of DNA's structure.
• Her story highlights themes of gender discrimination and the importance of scientific integrity.
• Franklin's legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists.