Which two scientists first established the double-helix structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in 1953?

Introduction / Context:
The discovery of the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is one of the most important milestones in biology. Understanding its double-helix structure helped scientists explain how genetic information is stored, copied, and passed on. This question checks whether you remember which two scientists are credited with establishing the double-helix model in 1953, a famous fact in school-level science and general knowledge.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about the structure of DNA, not its function.
• The year is 1953, which is crucial in the history of molecular biology.
• The answer must be a pair of scientists.
• We assume familiarity with key names: Watson, Crick, Franklin, and Wilkins.

Concept / Approach:
James Watson and Francis Crick built a physical model of DNA using information from X-ray diffraction images and chemical data. Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins contributed crucial X-ray crystallography data, but the widely known double-helix model is traditionally associated with Watson and Crick. To answer, we need to recall the Nobel Prize–winning trio and identify the specific pair who proposed the double-helix structure in their famous 1953 paper in the journal "Nature."

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify your answer is to think of standard textbook lines such as "Watson and Crick proposed the double-helix model of DNA in 1953." This phrase is repeated in almost every biology book and appears in many exam questions. The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962 was awarded to Watson, Crick, and Wilkins for their work on nucleic acids, which further underlines the central role of Watson and Crick in defining the structure. These facts confirm that the pair in the correct option is the widely accepted answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins made vital contributions, particularly through X-ray diffraction photographs, but they are not typically named as the pair that first proposed the full double-helix model in a published paper. Combinations such as Franklin with Crick or Watson with Wilkins mix real contributors but do not represent the historically recognized duo that authored the structural model. Therefore, these options are either incomplete or incorrectly paired.

Common Pitfalls:
Many students know the names individually but forget which ones belong together in the official model. Another pitfall is underestimating Rosalind Franklin's crucial contribution and incorrectly assuming that she must be in the "correct pair." While her work was essential, the question specifically asks about the pair that established the double-helix structure in 1953, which is Watson and Crick. Understanding the historical context helps avoid confusion between scientific credit, ethical debates, and the narrow exam-style question.

Final Answer:
The double-helix structure of DNA was first established by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953.