Mendelian 1st edpuzzle

May 14, 2024

Gregor Mendel: The Father of Genetics

Introduction

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Gregor Mendel's Early Life

  • Born: Johann Mendel on July 22, 1822, in the modern-day Czech Republic (then Austrian Empire)
  • Parents were farmers living in the Silesian foothills
  • Encouraged by a village priest to pursue further education due to his brightness

Education

  • 1834: Sent to secondary school in Opava
    • Frequently fell ill, experienced depression
  • 1840: Graduated and moved to study at the University of Olomouc
    • Continued to battle with mental health issues
  • 1843: Graduated from Olomouc

Entry Into the Abbey

  • Joined the Augustinian Abbey in Brno in 1843
    • Took the name Gregor
    • Supported by Abbot Cyril František Napp

Experiments and Breakthroughs

  • Began hybridization experiments in 1854
  • Initially wanted to study mice but switched to pea plants
  • 1856-1868: Conducted meticulous records of crossbreeding pea plants
    • Selected varieties with opposing characteristics (e.g., tall/short, yellow/green)

Key Discoveries

  1. Dominant and Recessive Traits: Certain traits are dominant (e.g., purple flowers) while others are recessive (e.g., white flowers)
  2. Independent Assortment: Traits are passed down independently of other traits
  3. Statistical Patterns: Possible to predict traits across populations using statistics

Presentation and Obscurity

  • Presented findings in February 8, 1865, in Brno
    • Met with local interest but not beyond
  • Published as a book in 1866
    • Even Charles Darwin received a copy but didn't read it
  • 1867: Abbot Napp dies, Mendel becomes the new Abbot

Later Life and Death

  • Focused on Abbey responsibilities, abandoned scientific work
  • Died: January 6, 1884
    • Remembered locally, not as a scientist

Posthumous Recognition

  • 1900: Rediscovery of Mendel's work
    • Papers by Hugo DeVries, Carl Correns, and Erich von Tschermak independently mirrored his findings
  • Coined the term