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Multiple Choice
Which technique was crucial for Rosalind Franklin to visualize the structure of DNA and contributed to the discovery of its double helix?
A
Gel electrophoresis
B
Mass spectrometry
C
Electron microscopy
D
X-ray crystallography
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the problem: The question asks which technique Rosalind Franklin used to visualize the structure of DNA, contributing to the discovery of its double helix. The options provided are Gel electrophoresis, Mass spectrometry, Electron microscopy, and X-ray crystallography.
Clarify the concept of X-ray crystallography: This technique involves directing X-rays at a crystallized sample of a molecule. The X-rays scatter upon hitting the atoms in the crystal, creating a diffraction pattern that can be analyzed to determine the molecular structure.
Relate X-ray crystallography to DNA structure: Rosalind Franklin used X-ray crystallography to study DNA fibers. Her famous 'Photo 51' revealed the helical structure of DNA, providing critical evidence for the double helix model proposed by Watson and Crick.
Eliminate incorrect options: Gel electrophoresis is used to separate DNA fragments by size, Mass spectrometry identifies molecular weights and compositions, and Electron microscopy visualizes structures at high magnification but is not suitable for determining atomic-level structures like the DNA double helix.
Conclude that X-ray crystallography was the crucial technique used by Rosalind Franklin to visualize the structure of DNA and contribute to the discovery of its double helix.