Boveri–Sutton chromosome theory

Boveri–Sutton chromosome theory

The Boveri–Sutton chromosome theory, also known as the chromosome theory of inheritance, is a fundamental theory of genetics which identifies chromosomes as the carriers of genetic material. This theory was independently developed by Theodor Boveri and Walter Sutton in the early 20th century.

Historical Background

The theory emerged from the work of Theodor Boveri, a German biologist, and Walter Sutton, an American geneticist. Boveri's research on sea urchins demonstrated that all chromosomes must be present for proper embryonic development. Sutton, working with grasshoppers, observed that chromosomes occur in matched pairs of maternal and paternal chromosomes which separate during meiosis.

Key Concepts

The Boveri–Sutton chromosome theory integrates several key concepts:

• Chromosomes are the structures that carry genes.
• Chromosomes exist in pairs within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
• During meiosis, chromosome pairs separate so that each gamete receives one chromosome from each pair.
• The behavior of chromosomes during meiosis explains Mendelian inheritance patterns.

Impact on Genetics

The Boveri–Sutton chromosome theory provided a physical basis for Gregor Mendel's earlier work on the inheritance of traits. It established that genes are located on chromosomes and that the segregation and independent assortment of chromosomes during meiosis are the mechanisms underlying Mendelian inheritance.

Further Developments

The theory laid the groundwork for the discovery of DNA as the genetic material and the development of the central dogma of molecular biology. It also paved the way for the field of cytogenetics, which studies the structure and function of chromosomes.

See Also

• Genetics
• Meiosis
• Mendelian inheritance
• Cytogenetics
• Theodor Boveri
• Walter Sutton