¶¶ The 3-dimensional double helix structure of DNA was discovered by James Watson and Francis Crick !!

Discovery of the Double Helix Structure of DNA
The double helix structure of DNA was famously discovered by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. Their groundbreaking work built upon the contributions of several scientists, leading to one of the most significant discoveries in molecular biology.
Key Contributions
- Franklin's X-ray Diffraction:
- Rosalind Franklin's X-ray diffraction images provided critical insights into DNA's helical structure.
- The famous Photo 51 indicated that DNA was a helical molecule.
- Chargaff's Rules:
- Erwin Chargaff discovered that the amounts of adenine (A) and thymine (T), as well as cytosine (C) and guanine (G), in DNA are equal.
- This provided a basis for understanding base pairing in the double helix.
- Base Pairing:
- Watson and Crick proposed that A pairs with T and C pairs with G, forming the rungs of the helical ladder.
- Model Building:
- Using cardboard and wire, Watson and Crick constructed a model of DNA that illustrated its double helix structure.
- Their model explained how genetic information is stored and replicated.
Significance of the Discovery
- Understanding Genetics:
- The double helix model elucidated the mechanism of genetic inheritance and replication.
- Biological Research:
- This discovery laid the foundation for modern genetics, biotechnology, and molecular biology.
Overall, the discovery of DNA's double helix structure not only revolutionized our understanding of genetics but also spurred advancements in various scientific fields.