History+of+Genetics

Orange Unit 2 Genes - All in the Family **History of Genetics**

Gregor Mendel was a pioneer in establishing the basic pattern of genetic inheritance. After Mendel, other scientists turned investigated of what a gene is made.

**1910** - Thomas Hunt Morgan showed that genes are on chromosomes.

**1940s and 1950s** - Experiments isolated DNA as the basic genetic material.

**1951** - Rosalind Franklin obtained sharp X-ray photographs of DNA.

**1953** - James D. Watson and Francis Crick discovered that DNA’s structure with a double helix.

This marked the beginning of a new era. Today, scientists have discovered the secrets of the genetic code and can manipulate genes through genetic engineering.