Discovery that genetic material from different viruses
can be combined to form a new type of virus, an example
of genetic recombination.
Recognizing the threat posed by loss of genetic diversity,
the U.S. Congress provides funds for systematic and
extensive plant collection, preservation and introduction.
1947
McClintock discovers transposable elements, or
“jumping genes,” in corn.
1949
Pauling shows that sickle cell anemia is a “molecular
disease” resulting from a mutation in the protein molecule
hemoglobin.
1951
Artificial insemination of livestock using frozen semen
is accomplished.
1953
The scientific journal Nature publishes James Watson
and Francis Crick’s manuscript describing the double
helical structure of DNA, which marks the beginning
of the modern era of genetics.
1955
An enzyme involved in the synthesis of a nucleic acid
is isolated for the first time.