Final answer:
The discovery of DNA's double-helix structure by Watson and Crick, based on the experimental work of Rosalind Franklin, was significant because it revealed the molecular basis for DNA replication and genetic inheritance, which were fundamental to advancing the field of genetics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The double-helix model of DNA proposed by James Watson and Francis Crick was revolutionary because it provided insight into the molecular structure and replication mechanism of DNA. Building upon the X-ray diffraction data produced by Rosalind Franklin, Watson and Crick deduced that DNA's structure is made up of two strands that form a spiral staircase-like shape, commonly known as a double helix. The complementary base pairing suggested by the double-helix model indicated how DNA could replicate itself, as each strand serves as a template for the creation of a new complementary strand.
Moreover, this discovery explained how genetic information is stored and transferred in living organisms. Understanding DNA's structure helped to unlock the complex processes of genetic coding and laid the foundation for decades of scientific advancements, including the field of genetics and biotechnology. It was for these foundational discoveries that Watson, Crick, and Maurice Wilkins received the Nobel Prize in 1962, though Rosalind Franklin's critical contributions were also essential for their work.