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Multiple Choice
What key insight into the structure of DNA did scientists gain from the X-ray crystallography images taken by Rosalind Franklin?
A
The mechanism of DNA replication
B
The sequence of nucleotides in DNA
C
The presence of ribose sugar in DNA
D
The double helix structure of DNA
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that X-ray crystallography is a technique used to determine the atomic and molecular structure of a crystal, where the crystalline atoms cause a beam of incident X-rays to diffract into many specific directions.
Recognize that Rosalind Franklin's X-ray crystallography images, particularly Photo 51, provided critical evidence for the helical structure of DNA.
Note that the diffraction pattern observed in Franklin's images suggested a helical structure, characterized by the X-shaped pattern, which is indicative of a double helix.
Acknowledge that the spacing of the spots on the diffraction pattern helped scientists deduce the dimensions of the helix, including the distance between the turns of the helix.
Conclude that the key insight gained from Franklin's work was the double helix structure of DNA, which was crucial for understanding how DNA functions and replicates.