Alfred Day Hershey, an American bacteriologist and geneticist, made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of genetics. His research led to the understanding that DNA, not protein, is the genetic material of life. Through his comprehensive studies and collaboration with other scientists, Hershey was able to unveil important breakthroughs regarding the genetic replication information of viruses. His most famous experiment, the Hershey-Chase experiment, solidified his place as a pioneer in the field of genetics. This experiment introduced DNA as the data capsule containing all the information of evolution, leading to numerous advancements in modern genetics. In recognition of his contributions, Hershey was awarded the 1969 Nobel Prize in Medicine, which he shared with Max Delbrück and Salvador Edward Luria.
Quick Facts
- Died At Age: 88
- Spouse/Ex-: Harriet Davidson Hershey
- Father: Robert D. Hershey
- Mother: Alma Wilbur Hershey
- Children: Peter Manning Hershey
- Geneticists
- Bacteriologists
- Died on: May 22, 1997
- Place of death: Syosset, New York, United States
- Grouping of People: Nobel Laureates In Physiology
- U.S. State: Michigan
- Education: Michigan State University
- Awards: 1969 – Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research
Childhood & Early Life
George W. Beadle was born on December 4, 1908 in Owosso, Michigan, U.S. His parents were Robert Day Hershey and Alma Wilbur Hershey. He attended Owasso High School and graduated in 1925. He then enrolled at Michigan State College, where he developed a keen interest in bacteriology. In 1930, he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He went on to earn his doctorate degree in bacteriology from the same college in 1934, with his doctoral dissertation focusing on the chemistry of bacteria responsible for Brucellosis.
Career
After completing his doctorate, Beadle was appointed as an instructor in the Department of Bacteriology and Immunology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He worked alongside Jacques Jacob Bronfenbrenner, a pioneer in bacteriophage research. During his time at Washington University, Beadle conducted experiments on the immunologic reaction of phages and other factors that influenced phage infectivity. In 1943, he joined a group of scientists led by Max Delbruck to discuss their phage experiments and advances.
In 1950, Beadle moved to Cold Spring Harbor, New York and became a staff scientist in the Carnegie Institution of Washington’s Department of Genetics. He continued his research on phage recombination and genetics, and in 1952, he and his colleague Martha Chase performed the famous “Hershey-Chase experiment” which confirmed that DNA is the genetic material of life.
In 1962, Beadle became the Director of the Genetics Research Unit of the Carnegie Institution in Cold Spring Harbor. He continued his research until his retirement in 1974, but still visited his research lab regularly.
Major Works
Beadle is best known for the “blender experiment” he conducted with Martha Chase in 1952. This experiment concluded that DNA, not its associated protein, is the genetic material of life. This discovery laid the groundwork for modern molecular genetics.
Awards & Achievements
Beadle became a member of the National Academy of Sciences in 1958 and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1959. He received the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award in 1958 and the Kimber Genetics Award in 1965. In 1969, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine, which he shared with Salvador Luria and Max Delbrück, for their discoveries concerning the replication mechanism and the genetic structure of viruses.
Personal Life & Legacy
In 1945, Beadle married Harriet Davidson, also known as Jill, and they had a son named Peter. Beadle passed away on May 22, 1997 in Syosset, New York, due to heart failure. He was buried at St. John’s Church Cemetery in Oyster Bay, New York.