The x-ray diffraction of DNA contributed to the understanding that DNA has what characteristic structure?

The x-ray diffraction of DNA, particularly the famous images obtained by Rosalind Franklin, provided critical evidence for the double helix structure of DNA. The distinct patterns observed in the diffraction images indicated how the molecules were arranged in a helical shape, which was later confirmed by James Watson and Francis Crick. The double helix model describes DNA as consisting of two complementary strands that wrap around each other, forming a spiral. This model explains how genetic information is stored and replicated in living organisms, as the two strands can separate and serve as templates for producing copies of DNA. This structural arrangement is pivotal in understanding the mechanisms of heredity, replication, and the overall function of DNA within biological systems.