Which scientists were responsible for determining the structure of the DNA molecule?

The determination of the DNA structure is primarily attributed to James Watson and Francis Crick, who introduced the double helix model in 1953. Their work built upon critical pieces of evidence, most notably X-ray diffraction patterns produced by Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins, which suggested the helical structure of DNA. However, Watson and Crick were the first to piece together this information into the coherent structure that is widely recognized today.

This model not only clarified how genetic information is stored and replicated but also provided insights into the mechanisms of heredity and variation. Their discovery marked a significant milestone in molecular biology, leading to profound implications for genetics, biotechnology, and medicine.

While Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins made significant contributions to the understanding of DNA, particularly with their experimental techniques that provided the critical data Watson and Crick utilized, it was Watson and Crick who are most prominently credited with elucidating the double helix structure. The other pairs listed do not have a direct connection to the discovery or understanding of DNA's structure, focusing instead on different biological concepts and fields.