Rosalind Franklin

Rosalind Elsie Franklin (Known as "Pioneer of DNA Double Helix & Viral Crystallography")

Chemist, X-Ray Crystallographer, Biophysicist, King's College London

Born 25 July 1920

Notting Hill (London), United Kingdom

Passed Away 16 April 1958 Chelsea (London), United Kingdom

Lifespan 37 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated. In my view, all that is necessary for faith is the belief that by doing our best we shall succeed in our aim."

Archival Overview

Brilliant British chemist and X-ray crystallographer whose historic Photo 51 provided the vital experimental proof revealing the helical double-helix architecture of DNA.

Biographical Record

Rosalind Elsie Franklin (1920–1958) earned her doctorate in physical chemistry from Newnham College, Cambridge. An exceptionally meticulous crystallographer, Franklin joined King's College London in 1951 to study DNA fiber structure using high-resolution X-ray diffraction.

In May 1952, Franklin and her student Raymond Gosling obtained 'Photo 51', which clearly revealed the B-form helical structure and exterior phosphate backbone of DNA. Shown to James Watson and Francis Crick, this data proved essential for deciphering the double helix model. Franklin subsequently performed pioneering structural work on tobacco mosaic virus and polio before dying of ovarian cancer at 37.

Key Life Milestones

May 1952 CE

Capture of DNA Photo 51

Obtained the celebrated high-resolution X-ray diffraction photograph revealing the double-helix geometry of B-DNA.

1955 CE

Structure of Tobacco Mosaic Virus

Published high-resolution structural determinations showing tobacco mosaic virus is a hollow helical protein cylinder with RNA.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Willesden United Synagogue Cemetery (Franklin Family Tomb)
Chelsea (London), United Kingdom

                         GPS: 51.5458, -0.2378                    

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