Which scientists are credited with developing the DNA double-helix model?

Which scientists are credited with developing the DNA double-helix model?

• A. Rosalind Franklin
• B. James Watson/Francis Crick
• C. Linus Pauling
• D. Maurice Wilkins

Answer: (B)

Understanding who proposed the DNA double-helix structure sits at the heart of this question. James Watson and Francis Crick are credited with developing the actual double-helix model of DNA in 1953. They built the first accurate physical model showing two sugar-phosphate backbones wound into a right-handed helix with base pairs (A with T, and G with C) stacked inside, which explained how genetic information is stored and how it could be copied during replication. This breakthrough drew on crucial experimental data, especially X-ray diffraction patterns collected by Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins, which pointed to a helical shape and helped determine the dimensions of the molecule. Linus Pauling proposed an alternative, incorrect structure for DNA before Watson and Crick published their model, so he did not develop the correct double-helix. In short, Watson and Crick are the ones credited with proposing the actual double-helix structure, with Franklin and Wilkins providing essential data that guided them.

Understanding who proposed the DNA double-helix structure sits at the heart of this question. James Watson and Francis Crick are credited with developing the actual double-helix model of DNA in 1953. They built the first accurate physical model showing two sugar-phosphate backbones wound into a right-handed helix with base pairs (A with T, and G with C) stacked inside, which explained how genetic information is stored and how it could be copied during replication. This breakthrough drew on crucial experimental data, especially X-ray diffraction patterns collected by Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins, which pointed to a helical shape and helped determine the dimensions of the molecule. Linus Pauling proposed an alternative, incorrect structure for DNA before Watson and Crick published their model, so he did not develop the correct double-helix. In short, Watson and Crick are the ones credited with proposing the actual double-helix structure, with Franklin and Wilkins providing essential data that guided them.