Question

The X-ray diffraction photography of Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins was critical evidence of DNA

• A. indicating that DNA has a double helix structure
• B. showing equal numbers of purines and pyrimidines
• C. showing the bases of DNA were held together by hydrogen bonds
• D. revealing the structure of the deoxyribose sugar

Answer 1

The correct option is A indicating that DNA has a double helix structure

The discovery of the structure of DNA was credited to Watson and Crick but a key role in helping them discover this structure was because of findings by Rosalind Franklin. Rosalind Franklin, along with Francis Wilkins, worked on DNA applying X-ray crystallography to find out its structural properties. The diffraction pattern obtained by Franklin and Wilkins showed an X pattern which hinted of a 2 stranded helical form of DNA. They also observed that the patterns were consistent and inferred that the helix’s diameter must also be consistent.

So, the correct option is 'indicating that DNA has a double helix structure'.