Alfred Sturtevant
Alfred Sturtevant
Alfred Sturtevant (pronounced: AL-fred STUR-te-vant) was an American geneticist who was one of the pioneers in the field of genetics. He is best known for his work on the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, where he used the insect to create the first genetic map of a chromosome.
Etymology
The name Alfred is of English origin and means "wise counselor". Sturtevant is an English surname that originated from the Old French words "estourtevant", meaning "bold" or "brave".
Early Life and Education
Alfred Sturtevant was born on November 21, 1891, in Jacksonville, Illinois. He attended Columbia University, where he studied under the guidance of Thomas Hunt Morgan, a renowned geneticist. Sturtevant earned his Ph.D. in Zoology in 1914.
Career
Sturtevant started his career as a researcher in Morgan's lab, where he began his work on the fruit fly. He developed the first genetic map of a chromosome, which is a diagram that shows the relative positions of genes on a chromosome. This work laid the foundation for modern genetic engineering and genomics.
In 1928, Sturtevant moved to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he continued his research on genetics. He made significant contributions to the understanding of the genetic structure and function of chromosomes.
Legacy
Sturtevant's work has had a profound impact on the field of genetics. His genetic map of a chromosome has been a fundamental tool in genetic research and has paved the way for advances in genetic engineering and genomics.
Related Terms
- Genetics: The study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms.
- Genetic map: A type of chromosome map that shows the relative locations of genes and other important features.
- Chromosome: A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
- Genetic engineering: The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology.
- Genomics: The study of the genomes of organisms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alfred Sturtevant
- Wikipedia's article - Alfred Sturtevant
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