Rosalind Franklin was an important scientist who helped us understand DNA. Her work is vital for recognizing how women have contributed to science, especially in genetics.

Key Contributions by Rosalind Franklin:

1. X-ray Crystallography:

   • Franklin became really good at using X-ray techniques. These techniques helped show what DNA looks like.
   • Her careful work led to the first clear images of DNA, especially the well-known “Photograph 51” taken in 1952. This picture showed that DNA has a spiral or helical structure, which was a big discovery.

2. Analytical Techniques:

   • She used exact methods to measure how thick DNA fibers were. This gave important clues about its spiral shape.
   • At that time, not many people used these techniques on biological molecules. This showed how skilled she was in a field mostly dominated by men.

3. Data Interpretation:

   • Franklin's understanding of the X-ray data gave key details about DNA’s width and spiral nature. She figured out that the repeating pattern in DNA suggested it has a double helix structure. This hinted at how DNA could copy itself.
   • She also discovered that there were two forms of DNA: A and B, with B being more important for biological functions.

4. Influence on James Watson and Francis Crick:

   • Watson and Crick won the Nobel Prize in 1962 for creating the model of the DNA double helix. However, they relied a lot on the data provided by Franklin.
   • It is believed that over 95% of what we understand about DNA’s structure came from her work, but she didn’t get the recognition she deserved during her life.

In short, Rosalind Franklin's work with X-ray techniques and her careful data analysis were key to DNA research. Her contributions highlight the important but often forgotten role of female scientists in history. It's essential to recognize their impact on scientific advances.