The Evolution of Genetics

Paper Summary:

This paper contrasts Gregory Mendel's "particular theory" with Darwin's "theory of evolution" and shows how Mendel's theory contributed to our understanding of genetics today, while the inherent limitations of Darwin's theory could not. The paper explains how Mendel's theory of "segregation and independent assortment" offered new insight into the process of evolution not offered by Darwin's theory. The paper also includes a brief discussion on the promises and ethical concerns of stem cell research.

From the Paper:

"Gregory Mendel is considered as the father of modern genetics. He proposed the "particular theory" of genetics wherein each parent passes on discrete units or character traits to the offspring. Mendel proposed that pairs of factors define each character trait and that each parent contributes one of his factors to the offspring. By his famous experiment of the pea plant Mendel proved that the character traits of an offspring are dependent on the selective expression or the domination of particular alleles. Mendel's laws of inheritance marked the end of Darwin's theory that was accepted for so long. Before Mendel Charles Darwin had proposed the theory of evolution based on natural selection. Darwin however could not account for the formation of new characteristics in offsprings."

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