Project overview : We have been learning about how DNA functions within cells, its relationship to our physical traits and the importance of its transmission to new cells, including those from which we develop. It is appropriate to reflect back on those that contributed to our present knowledge of this selfdefining molecule.
: Each of you will select a different individual who contributed to this vast amount of knowledge. You are already familiar with some of these researchers, others are more obscure.
Your assignment is to research the life, both personal and professional, and contribution (s) they made to the body of information about DNA.
:
On Wednesday, February 20th th you will turn in a
This may be done in any one of the following formats: a) 3- page research paper b) a poem c) written as a newsletter article d) written as a eulogy e) written as a jeopardy game f) presented on a small poster ( MAXIMUM SIZE IS ½ A POSTER BOARD) g) presented on an 8 1/2” x 11” paper
Whichever format you choose, these components are to be included:
1) when they lived
2) where they lived, grew up, attended college
3) family information
4) profession
5) the type of research they conducted
6) describe and illustrate their research
7) contributions to science regarding DNA or the study heredity (genetics)
8) picture of the individual
9) additional pictures depicting some of the additional items listed above.
(the more detail you include the higher your grade will be)
I will grade based upon the inclusion of the items above; grammar; neatness and cleverness. DO NOT
JUST CUT AND PASTE FROM WEB SITES. Total points: 100
1. On Wednesday, you may present your biography to the class for up to 3 BONUS
POINTS .
2. You may seize the opportunity to go beyond the assignment –make a model, powerpoint, dress in character for yet more BONUS CREDIT.

Walter Flemming—“term chromosome” 1882
Walter Sutton 1902—chromosomes exist in pairs
Linus Pauling—protein structure
Erwin Chargaff
Rosalind Franklin
Maurice Wilkins
Oswald Avery
Fred Griffith-1928
Alfred Hershey
Martha Chase
Alfred Russell Wallace
Charles Darwin
James Watson
Francis Crick
Arthur Kornburg (DNA in test tube) -1957
Fred Sanger (DNA sequencing)- 1963
Paul Berg ( first recombinant DNA molecule) 1972
Joe Hin Tjio--1955 determines that the number of chromosomes in humans is 46.
David Botstein -1979-and others discover a very useful type of DNA polymorphism, called restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs)
. RFLPs are found throughout the genome and are extremely valuable as genetic markers in human genetic studies.
Kary Mullis –1980--and others at Cetus Corporation invent a technique for making many copies of a specific DNA sequence: Mullis wins a Nobel Prize for this work.
1983
James Gusella and others identify the gene responsible for Huntington's disease, leading to the first genetic test for a disease.
Alec Jeffreys- 1984- introduces DNA fingerprinting as a method of identification
Barbara McClintock -1983-genetics of corn
Thomas Hunt Morgan
Sir Archibold Garrod ( disease-to-genetics link) 1902
Meselson & Stahl (
Ian Wilmutt—Dolly-1996