Heredity and hereditary changes
You know that here dity is the transfer of biological characters from one generation to another via genes. Johann Gregor Mendel is pioneer of the modern genetics. Around the period
of 1886, it took a long time for him to understand the conclusions of his research about heredity. In 1901, the reasons behind the sudden changes were understood due to the mutational theory of Hugo de Vries.Meanwhile in 1902, Walter and Sutton observed the paired chromosomes in the cells of grasshopper; until then it was not known to anyone. Research
started in the direction of finding the nature of genetic material when it was proved that genes
are carried via chromosomes. Through which 1944, trio of scientists Ostwald Avery, Mclyn McCarthy and Colin MacLeod proved that except viruses, all living organisms have DNA as genetic material.
In 1961, the French geneticists Francois Jacob and Jack Monad proposed a model for
process of protein synthesis with the help of DNA in bacterial cells. It helped to uncover the genetic codes hidden in DNA. Thereby, the technique of recombinant DNA technology emerged which has vast scope in the field of genetic engineering.
The science of heredity is useful for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of hereditary
disorders, production of hybrid varieties of animals and plants and in industrial processes in
which microbes are used.
Gregor Johann Mendel
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| Gregor Johann Mendel |
(Birth: 20th July 1822, Death: 6th Jan 1884)
Gregor Johann Mendel was an Austrian scientist. He studied the inheritance of some characteristics of the pea plant. He showed that inheritance of these characteristics follows certain principles. Later, these principles becomes popular by his name. Mendel’s work was recognized only in the 20th century. After a reconfirmation of these principles, the same principles now form the basis of modern genetics.
