A Nobel Prize-winning physicist and biologist who contributed significantly to the discovery of the structure of DNA, using X-ray crystallography to produce the first clear images of the molecule.
Maurice Wilkins, a New Zealand-born British biophysicist, is renowned for his seminal work on the structure of DNA, a discovery that revolutionized our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of life. Alongside James Watson and Francis Crick, Wilkins was awarded the 1962 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking findings concerning the molecular structure of nucleic acids.
Born on December 15, 1916, in Pongaroa, New Zealand, Wilkins' fascination with science began at a young age. He pursued his passion for physics at King Edward's School in Birmingham, England, before moving to Cambridge University, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1940.
Wilkins' research spanned multiple areas of physics and biophysics, contributing significantly to our understanding of phosphorescence, isotope separation, optical microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. However, his most notable work was in the field of DNA research, which can be divided into two distinct phases.
The first phase, between 1948 and 1950, saw Wilkins produce the first clear X-ray images of DNA, which he presented at a conference in Naples in 1951. James Watson, who attended the conference, was inspired by Wilkins' work and later acknowledged its significance in his own research.
The second phase, from 1951 to 1952, witnessed Wilkins produce high-quality B-form X-shaped images of DNA using squid sperm. These images, sent to Watson and Crick, played a crucial role in their development of the double helix model.
In 1952, Wilkins' colleague, Rosalind Franklin, took a high-quality image of B-form DNA, known as Photo 51. Although Franklin had set aside the image, Wilkins obtained it and showed it to Watson, who acknowledged its importance in his own research. This image, combined with the knowledge that Linus Pauling had proposed an incorrect structure of DNA, spurred Watson and Crick to restart model building, ultimately leading to their famous double helix discovery.
In 1962, Wilkins, Crick, and Watson were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries concerning the molecular structure of nucleic acids. This recognition cemented Wilkins' place in the annals of scientific history, solidifying his contribution to our understanding of the fundamental principles of life.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Wilkins was an accomplished musician and played the piano in his spare time. His love for music was matched only by his dedication to his research, which continues to inspire new generations of scientists.
Wilkins' work extends beyond the realm of science, influencing modern society in many ways. His discovery of the double helix structure of DNA has had a profound impact on fields such as genetics, biotechnology, and medicine, shaping our understanding of the world around us.
Maurice Wilkins' groundbreaking research on the structure of DNA has left an indelible mark on the scientific community. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of human curiosity and the importance of collaboration in advancing our understanding of the world.
97 Years Old
Discovered the structure of DNA, revolutionizing our understanding of genetics and earning a Nobel Prize. Pioneering work in molecular biology has far-reaching implications for medicine and beyond.
Born in 1916
Pioneering scientist who discovered the structure of DNA, revolutionizing our understanding of genetics and life itself.
Born in 1920
A British scientist who contributed significantly to the discovery of the structure of DNA, providing high-quality X-ray crystallography images that helped James Watson and Francis Crick develop their famous model.
Born in 1901
Pioneering chemist and peace activist who won two unshared Nobel Prizes, one for chemistry and one for peace, for his groundbreaking work on the nature of the chemical bond and his tireless efforts to promote nuclear disarmament.
Born in 1850
A Nobel Prize-winning biologist who made groundbreaking discoveries in molecular biology, particularly in understanding the replication of viruses and DNA.
Born in 1918
Developed techniques for sequencing DNA and proteins, revolutionizing molecular biology and earning two Nobel Prizes in Chemistry.
Born in 1917
Pioneering biochemist and crystallographer who determined the structure of myoglobin, a protein in muscle cells, and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1962.
