DNA (history)

DNA

1866
Gregor Mendel published the results of his investigations of the inheritance of "factors" in pea plants.

1950's
Maurice Wilkins (1916- ), Rosalind Franklin (1920-1957), Francis H. C. Crick (1916- ) of Britain and James D. Watson (1928- ) of the U.S. discover chemical structure of DNA, starting a new branch of science--molecular biology.

Watson and Crick made a model of the DNA molecule and proved that genes determine heredity.

1957

Arthur Kornberg (1918- ) of the U.S. produced DNA in a test tube.

1963

F. Sanger (1918- ) of Britain developed sequencing procedure for DNA.

1966

The Genetic code was discovered; scientists are now able to predict characteristics by studying DNA. This leads to genetic engineering, genetic counseling.

1972

Paul Berg (1926- ) of the U.S. produced the first recombinant DNA molecule

1983

Barbara McClintock (1902-1992) of the U.S. was awarded the Nobel Prize for her discovery that genes are able to change position on chromosomes.

The Late 1980's

An international team of scientists began the project to map the human genome.

The first crime conviction based on DNA fingerprinting, in Portland Oregon.



1990

Gene therapy was used on patients for the first time.


1993

Dr. Kary Mullis discovered the PCR procedure, for which he was awarded the Nobel prize.



1994

The FDA approved the first genetically engineered food -- FlavrSavr tomatoes engineered for better flavor and shelf life.



1995

DNA testing in forensics cases gains fame in the O.J. Simpson trial.



1997

Dolly the Sheep - the first adult animal clone.



1998

Senate inquiry begins into the Clinton/Lewinsky scandal based largely on DNA evidence.



2000
J. Craig Ventor, along with Francis Collins, jointly announce the sequencing of the entire human genome.