Who proposed the first model of the DNA structure?

The first model of DNA structure was proposed by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. Their model is famously known for demonstrating the double helix structure of DNA, which provided a revolutionary understanding of how genetic information is stored and transmitted. They utilized X-ray diffraction data, particularly from Rosalind Franklin's work, to deduce the physical structure of DNA, identifying how the bases pair and explaining the mechanism of replication.

Understanding that Watson and Crick's model was pivotal in molecular biology is important, as it laid the foundation for genetic research and biotechnology. The collaborative nature of scientific discovery is highlighted by the fact that Watson and Crick based much of their work on previous research, but it was their model that officially described DNA's structure in a way that could be further explored and validated by other scientists.