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Several scientists were involved in determining the structure of DNA - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 23 - 2011 - Paper 1
Question 23
Several scientists were involved in determining the structure of DNA. To what extent did the quality of collaboration and communication between these scientists impa... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Several scientists were involved in determining the structure of DNA - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 23 - 2011 - Paper 1
Step 1
Name at least THREE scientists involved in determining the structure of DNA
Answer
The three key scientists involved in determining the structure of DNA are James Watson, Francis Crick, and Rosalind Franklin. Their collaborative efforts were crucial in piecing together the structure of the DNA molecule.
Step 2
Give a thorough description of the collaboration and communication between these scientists
Answer
Watson and Crick collaborated closely at the University of Cambridge, utilizing X-ray crystallography data produced by Rosalind Franklin at King’s College London. Franklin’s photographic evidence played a vital role in shaping their understanding of DNA's helical structure, as they communicated their findings through shared insights and ongoing dialogue. Additionally, they accessed unpublished data from Frankin’s colleague, Maurice Wilkins, which significantly informed their research.
Step 3
Clearly relate this to the effect on their progress in determining the structure of DNA
Answer
The effective collaboration and communication between Watson, Crick, and Franklin significantly expedited their research. The integration of Franklin’s X-ray images allowed Watson and Crick to propose their double-helix model in 1953. Without this collaboration, it is unlikely that they would have made their groundbreaking discovery as quickly or as accurately, underscoring the importance of teamwork in scientific research.