key term - Maurice Wilkins

Definition

Maurice Wilkins was a British physicist and molecular biologist who played a crucial role in the discovery of the structure of DNA. His work with X-ray diffraction images of DNA helped to provide critical evidence for the double helix model proposed by Watson and Crick, establishing a foundation for modern genetics and molecular biology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wilkins was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962 alongside Watson and Crick for their contributions to the understanding of DNA.
2. He worked at King's College London, where he collaborated with Rosalind Franklin, although their relationship was often tense due to differing approaches to research.
3. Wilkins's famous Photograph 51 provided key insights that helped Watson and Crick model the DNA structure accurately.
4. In addition to his work on DNA, Wilkins was also involved in developing methods for studying the structure of viruses.
5. His research laid the groundwork for advancements in genetic engineering and biotechnology, influencing various fields such as medicine and forensic science.

Review Questions

• How did Maurice Wilkins contribute to the discovery of DNA's structure, and what was the significance of his X-ray diffraction images?
  • Maurice Wilkins contributed significantly to the discovery of DNA's structure by utilizing X-ray diffraction images that revealed vital information about the DNA molecule. His most famous image, Photograph 51, showed a distinct pattern indicative of the helical structure of DNA. This evidence was crucial for Watson and Crick as they constructed their double helix model, which ultimately changed our understanding of genetics and molecular biology.
• Discuss the relationship between Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin and how it influenced their research on DNA.
  • The relationship between Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin was complex and often fraught with tension. While both were working at King's College London, their differing approaches to research created friction. Wilkins was more collaborative, while Franklin preferred a solitary work style. This dynamic affected how their contributions were acknowledged, as Wilkins presented Franklin's X-ray data without her consent to Watson and Crick, which played a pivotal role in their discovery of DNA's structure.
• Evaluate the broader implications of Maurice Wilkins's work on DNA for future scientific advancements and fields such as genetics and biotechnology.
  • Maurice Wilkins's work on DNA has had profound implications for future scientific advancements in genetics and biotechnology. By providing critical evidence for the double helix model, he opened doors for groundbreaking research in genetic engineering, which has led to significant developments in medicine, agriculture, and forensic science. The understanding of DNA structure has enabled scientists to manipulate genetic material, paving the way for innovations like gene therapy and CRISPR technology, transforming how we approach health care and biological research.

Related terms

X-ray Crystallography: A technique used to determine the atomic and molecular structure of a crystal by scattering X-rays through it, providing information about the arrangement of atoms in a molecule.

James Watson:

An American molecular biologist who, alongside Francis Crick, co-discovered the double helix structure of DNA, utilizing data collected by Maurice Wilkins.

Rosalind Franklin:

A British chemist whose work on X-ray diffraction images of DNA significantly contributed to understanding its structure, although she was not initially recognized for her contributions.