From SpringerLink · · 50s
Photograph 49 Explains Franklin's DNA Work
Rosalind Franklin used Photograph 49 to calculate DNA structure before creating Photograph 51.
In brief
Rosalind Franklin used Photograph 49 to calculate DNA structure before creating Photograph 51. Rosalind Franklin reused DNA sample for Photograph 51 after calculating DNA helix parameters from earlier Photograph 49. Originally reported by SpringerLink.
Photograph 49
This image helped Rosalind Franklin calculate DNA's B form helix parameters.
“We show that she had in fact already made those calculations, on her earlier Photograph 49”
Photograph 51
Franklin reused the same DNA sample for a better-centered diffraction image.
“she reused the same DNA sample for Photograph 51 to create a better-centered but otherwise identical diffraction image”
Why Photograph 51 Was Created
Franklin took Photograph 51 because she knew key DNA helix parameters could be calculated from it.
“she decided to take Photograph 51 precisely because she knew that key parameters of DNA’s B form helix could be calculated”
The Misunderstanding
Colleagues described Photograph 51 as nature speaking for itself, ignoring Franklin's calculations.
“colleagues and later commentators did not merely overlook Franklin’s original reason for creating Photograph 51”
The Correction
Franklin had already performed the calculations on Photograph 49 before creating Photograph 51.
“We refute the infamous claim that Franklin failed to see the picture’s potential significance for interpreting the helical structure of DNA”
The essence
Rosalind Franklin reused DNA sample for Photograph 51 after calculating DNA helix parameters from earlier Photograph 49.
