MAURICE WILKINS Meaning and
Definition
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Maurice Wilkins (1916-2004) was a prominent New Zealand-born British biophysicist and molecular biologist. He is best known for his significant contributions to the discovery of the structure of DNA, one of the most important scientific breakthroughs in the history of biology.
Wilkins began his scientific career studying mathematics and physics but later shifted his focus to biological research. He joined the King's College London in 1946, where he conducted pioneering X-ray crystallography experiments to analyze the molecular structure of DNA fibers.
His collaboration with Rosalind Franklin, an X-ray crystallographer, proved crucial in unraveling the secrets of DNA. Through their methods, they obtained high-quality X-ray images revealing the double-helical structure of DNA, which provided vital insights into its function as the hereditary material of all living organisms.
Wilkins' work on DNA structure laid the foundation for James Watson and Francis Crick's subsequent breakthrough in 1953. Watson and Crick built upon Wilkins' and Franklin's findings to propose their iconic model of the DNA double helix.
For his remarkable contributions to the field of molecular biology, Maurice Wilkins, along with James Watson and Francis Crick, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962. This recognition affirmed his immense impact on our understanding of the fundamental unit of life, DNA, and its role in genetics and inheritance.
Common Misspellings for MAURICE WILKINS
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Etymology of MAURICE WILKINS
The name "Maurice Wilkins" does not have an etymology of its own, as it is a combination of two separate names: "Maurice" and "Wilkins".
The name "Maurice" is of Latin origin and is derived from the Roman name "Mauritius", meaning "dark-skinned" or "Moorish".
On the other hand, "Wilkins" is an English surname with various possible origins. It may have derived from the medieval given name "Willikin", a diminutive form of "William", which means "resolute protector". Alternatively, "Wilkins" could also be derived from "Wilkin", a medieval diminutive of "William" or "Wilhelm".
It is important to note that Maurice Wilkins is a well-known English physicist and molecular biologist who made significant contributions to the discovery of the structure of DNA.
