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Multiple Choice
Which two scientists produced the X-ray diffraction patterns that Watson and Crick used to determine the structure of DNA?
A
Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins
B
Erwin Chargaff and Max Perutz
C
James Watson and Francis Crick
D
Linus Pauling and Robert Corey
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the historical context of DNA structure discovery. The structure of DNA was elucidated in the early 1950s, a pivotal moment in molecular biology.
Recognize the key technique used: X-ray diffraction. This method involves directing X-rays at a crystalline sample and analyzing the pattern of scattered rays to infer the structure of the molecule.
Identify the scientists associated with X-ray diffraction studies of DNA. Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins were instrumental in producing high-quality X-ray diffraction images of DNA.
Understand the role of these images in the discovery process. Watson and Crick used the diffraction patterns obtained by Franklin and Wilkins to build their model of the DNA double helix.
Review the contributions of other scientists mentioned. Erwin Chargaff discovered base pairing rules, while Linus Pauling and Robert Corey worked on protein structures, not directly on DNA.