Life History
George Beadle (1903-1989) was an American geneticist and biologist
George Beadle Birth
George Beadle was born on October 22, 1903, in Wahoo, Nebraska, United States.
George Beadle Accomplishments
George Beadle was a prominent American scientist and geneticist who made several important contributions to the field of genetics.
One Gene-One Enzyme Hypothesis
In 1941, Beadle and his colleague Edward Tatum proposed the "one gene-one enzyme" hypothesis after conducting groundbreaking experiments on the bread mold Neurospora crassa. They demonstrated that each gene is responsible for the production of a specific enzyme, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the organism.
George Beadle and Edward Tatum's famous experiment involved exposing the bread mold Neurospora crassa to x-rays, which caused mutations or changes in the organism's genes. By observing the effects of these mutations on the production of enzymes, they were able to demonstrate the "one gene-one enzyme" hypothesis. This hypothesis later evolved into the more refined "one gene-one polypeptide" hypothesis, which states that each gene is responsible for the production of a specific polypeptide, which may be an enzyme or another type of protein. This work by Beadle and Tatum helped to establish the field of molecular genetics and opened up new avenues of research into the relationship between genes and proteins.
Genetics of Neurospora crassa
Beadle and Tatum also used the bread mold Neurospora crassa to study genetics, demonstrating that the mold's nutritional deficiencies were caused by mutations in specific genes.
Genetics research on maize
Beadle conducted extensive research on the genetics of maize (corn), which helped to uncover the underlying genetic mechanisms that control traits such as kernel color and the ability to produce starch.
Genetic Code
Beadle also made significant contributions to the elucidation of the genetic code, which is the set of rules by which genetic information stored in DNA is translated into proteins. He proposed the concept of the "triplet code," which states that each amino acid is specified by a sequence of three nucleotides in the DNA.
Contributions to the development of genetics as a field
Beadle played a significant role in establishing genetics as a distinct scientific discipline, and helped to lay the groundwork for the study of molecular genetics. His research helped to shed light on the relationship between genes, proteins, and biochemical pathways.
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
In 1958, Beadle was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, along with Tatum and Joshua Lederberg, for their discoveries concerning the genetic control of biochemical reactions. Their work on the "one gene-one enzyme" hypothesis laid the foundation for the modern field of molecular genetics.
Leadership Roles
Beadle served as the President of the University of Chicago from 1961 to 1968 and as the Chancellor of the University of California, San Diego from 1968 to 1970. He also served as the President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science from 1966 to 1967.
Beadle's pioneering work in genetics paved the way for many significant advances in the field and earned him a reputation as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century.
George Beadle Family Background
George Beadle's father's name was Chauncey Elmer Beadle and his mother's name was Hattie Albro.
George Beadle was born into a farming family in Wahoo, Nebraska, United States, on October 22, 1903. His father, Chauncey Elmer Beadle, was a farmer who had grown up in Indiana and moved to Nebraska in the late 1800s. Beadle's mother, Hattie Albro, was a schoolteacher who had grown up in Iowa.
George Beadle had two older sisters. Their names were Mary Beadle and Margaret Beadle.
Beadle was the youngest of three children in the family. His two older sisters, Mary and Margaret, were both teachers. Growing up on the family farm, Beadle developed an early interest in plants and animals.
Beadle's family background was largely agricultural, and his early experiences on the family farm may have contributed to his interest in biology and genetics. However, Beadle himself was more interested in pursuing scientific research than in following in his family's farming tradition.
He attended local schools in Wahoo before enrolling at the University of Nebraska, where he earned a degree in agriculture in 1926.
George Beadle's father, Chauncey Elmer Beadle, was born in 1866 in Indiana, United States. He grew up on a farm in Indiana and later moved to Nebraska in the late 1800s, where he became a farmer. Chauncey Elmer Beadle was primarily a farmer and was known for his expertise in raising cattle and hogs. He was also involved in local politics and served as a member of the school board in his district. George Beadle's interest in agriculture and biology may have been influenced by his father's background in farming.
George Beadle's mother, Hattie Albro, was born in 1873 in Iowa, United States. She grew up in Iowa and attended a normal school, which trained students to become teachers. Hattie Albro became a schoolteacher and taught in several rural schools in Iowa before moving to Nebraska with her husband, Chauncey Elmer Beadle. In Nebraska, she continued to work as a teacher and also helped with the family farm. Hattie Albro was known for her dedication to education and encouraged her children to pursue their academic interests. George Beadle's mother's background in education may have contributed to his own interest in academic pursuits.
'George Beadle had two older sisters'
Mary Beadle was the older sister of George Beadle. She was born in 1895 in Nebraska, United States. After completing her own education, Mary Beadle became a teacher and worked in various schools in Nebraska.
She was known for her dedication to education and her ability to connect with her students. Mary Beadle did not get married. She remained single and dedicated her life to her work as a teacher in various schools in Nebraska. She passed away in 1982 at the age of 87. While Mary Beadle was not directly involved in scientific research like her brother George, her work as a teacher helped to inspire and shape the minds of many young students in Nebraska.
Margaret Beadle, was the older sister of George Beadle. She was born in 1899 in Nebraska, United States. After completing her own education, Margaret Beadle also became a teacher and worked in various schools in Nebraska. She was known for her kindness and patience with her students. Margaret Beadle married a man named Henry Green and had three children with him. She remained close with her family throughout her life and passed away in 1996 at the age of 96. While Margaret Beadle was not directly involved in scientific research like her brother George, her work as a teacher helped to inspire and shape the minds of many young students in Nebraska. ❝William Bayliss Read More❞
George Beadle Education
George Beadle had an impressive academic career, which began with his early education in Nebraska. He attended Wahoo High School, where he excelled in his studies and developed an interest in science. After graduating from high school in 1921, he went on to attend the University of Nebraska, where he earned a bachelor's degree in science in 1926. He then moved to California and enrolled in the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) to pursue graduate studies in genetics.
At Caltech, George Beadle worked under the supervision of famous geneticist Thomas Hunt Morgan and earned his Ph.D. in genetics in 1930. His doctoral research focused on the genetics of the fruit fly, which was a model organism for studying genetics at the time.
Following his Ph.D., George Beadle spent several years conducting research and teaching at various institutions, including Harvard Medical School and Stanford University. In 1937, he joined the faculty at the University of Chicago, where he made some of his most significant contributions to science, including his groundbreaking work with Edward Tatum on the relationship between genes and enzymes. George Beadle continued to teach and conduct research at the University of Chicago until his retirement in 1961.
George Beadle Career
George Beadle had a distinguished career in science that spanned several decades. After earning his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology in 1930, he held research and teaching positions at various institutions, including Harvard University and Stanford University.
In 1937, George Beadle joined the faculty at the University of Chicago, where he conducted groundbreaking research with Edward Tatum on the relationship between genes and enzymes. Together, they developed the concept of the "one gene, one enzyme" hypothesis, which states that each gene is responsible for the production of a specific enzyme. This work earned them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1958.
George Beadle's contributions to science were not limited to genetics and molecular biology. He was also an advocate for science education and policy. He served as the president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science from 1955 to 1956 and was a member of the National Science Board and the National Academy of Sciences.
After his retirement from the University of Chicago in 1961, George Beadle continued to be an active member of the scientific community. He served as a visiting professor at various institutions, including the California Institute of Technology and the University of California, San Diego. He also served as the chancellor of the University of Chicago from 1961 to 1968.
Throughout his career, George Beadle was widely respected for his dedication to scientific inquiry, his commitment to mentoring young scientists, and his contributions to science education and policy. ❝Charles Glover Barkla Read More❞
George Beadle Awards
George Beadle received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science.
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1958), which he shared with Edward Tatum and Joshua Lederberg for their discoveries concerning the relationship between genes and enzyme synthesis.
Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award (1950), which he shared with Edward Tatum for their work on the "one gene, one enzyme" hypothesis.
Franklin Medal (1951), awarded by the Franklin Institute in recognition of his contributions to science.
National Medal of Science (1962), awarded by President John F. Kennedy in recognition of his contributions to science.
Genetics Society of America Medal (1964), awarded in recognition of his contributions to genetics research.
Royal Society of London's Copley Medal (1971), awarded in recognition of his contributions to molecular biology.
National Academy of Sciences' Thomas Hunt Morgan Medal (1975), awarded in recognition of his contributions to genetics research.
These are just a few of the many awards and honors that George Beadle received over the course of his career.
In addition to these honors, George Beadle was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, among other prestigious scientific organizations.
George Beadle Books
George Beadle was primarily a scientist and researcher, and he did not write any books during his career. However, he did author or co-author many scientific papers and articles, which were published in peer-reviewed journals. These publications covered a wide range of topics in genetics, molecular biology, and related fields.
"Genetic Control of Biochemical Reactions in Neurospora" (1941), co-authored with Edward Tatum, which introduced the concept of the "one gene, one enzyme" hypothesis.
"Biochemical Mutations Produced by X-Rays in Neurospora" (1946), co-authored with Edward Tatum, which provided further evidence for the "one gene, one enzyme" hypothesis.
"The Genetic Control of Biochemical Reactions in Bacteria" (1952), co-authored with Edward Tatum, which extended the "one gene, one enzyme" hypothesis to bacteria.
"An Introduction to Genetics" (1966), co-authored with Richard Goldschmidt, which was a textbook designed for undergraduate students studying genetics.
"The Language of Genetics" (1967), which was a review article published in the journal Science, in which Beadle discussed the importance of clear communication in genetics research.
These are just a few examples of George Beadle's published work.
George Beadle Personal Life
George Beadle was married twice during his lifetime. His first wife was Muriel McClure, and His second wife was Marion Hill,
George Beadle had two children with his first wife, Muriel McClure. Their names were David and Barbara.
George Beadle was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Muriel McClure in 1930, but they divorced in 1946. He then married Marion Hill in 1948, and they remained married until his death in 1989.
In his personal life, Beadle was described as a man of great intellectual curiosity and a deep love of learning. He was an avid reader, and he enjoyed discussing science, history, and politics with his colleagues and friends. He was also a dedicated mentor to many young scientists, and he was known for his kindness and generosity.
Beadle was a lifelong sports enthusiast, and he played tennis, golf, and baseball throughout his life. He was also an accomplished musician, and he played the piano and the cello.
George Beadle Death
George Beadle passed away on June 9, 1989, in Seattle, Washington, United States. He was 85 years old at the time of his death. The cause of his death was not publicly disclosed.
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