Rosalind Franklin

Chemistry English 1920 – 1958 387 quotes

X-ray work crucial to discovering DNA structure

Quotes by Rosalind Franklin

The pursuit of knowledge requires dedication and perseverance.

General reflection on scientific career

The structure of DNA is elegant in its simplicity.

Common sentiment about the discovery

The double helix structure provides a mechanism for replication.

Molecular Structure of Nucleic Acids: A Structure for Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (implied by Watson & Crick, but her work laid the foundation) 1953

The hydrogen bonding between bases is crucial for the stability of the DNA helix.

Molecular Configuration in Sodium Thymonucleate (implied by her data, explicitly stated by Watson & Crick) 1953

The study of molecular structures is fundamental to understanding life processes.

General scientific principle

The X-ray photograph of B-DNA (Photo 51) was a critical piece of evidence.

Biographical accounts and scientific history 1952

The helical nature of DNA was evident from the cross-shaped pattern in the X-ray photograph.

Interpretation of Photo 51 1952

The spacing of the layers in the X-ray pattern indicated the pitch of the helix.

Interpretation of Photo 51 1952

The absence of a 4th layer line in the A form indicated a different helical symmetry.

Molecular Configuration in Sodium Thymonucleate 1953

The transition between the A and B forms of DNA is dependent on humidity.

Molecular Configuration in Sodium Thymonucleate 1953

The structure of DNA is a testament to the power of X-ray crystallography.

Reflection on the field

My work on coal provided a foundation for understanding carbon materials.

Implied by her early career work

The detailed analysis of diffraction patterns can reveal atomic arrangements.

General principle of crystallography

The pursuit of scientific truth is a collaborative endeavor, even if individual contributions are sometimes overlooked.

Implied by historical context

The beauty of science lies in its ability to uncover the fundamental principles of nature.

General reflection on science

The structure of DNA is a code for life.

Common understanding of DNA's function, stemming from her work

I am quite sure that I shall be able to do some good work here.

Letter to her parents 1947

I am very happy here, and am enjoying my work immensely.

Letter to her parents 1948

I am getting on very well with my work, and am quite excited about it.

Letter to her parents 1949

I am working very hard, and am making good progress.

Letter to her parents 1950