Rosalind Franklin's pivotal contributions to genetics include her groundbreaking work in X-ray crystallography, which was crucial in uncovering the double helix structure of DNA. Her famous Photo 51 provided critical evidence of DNA's helical shape, influencing the work of James Watson and Francis Crick. Despite her significant role, her contributions were often overlooked during her lifetime, overshadowed by her male counterparts. Nonetheless, Franklin's meticulous research laid the foundation for much of modern molecular biology, highlighting the importance of women in the field of science.