Edward B. Lewis

Edward B. Lewis (May 20, 1918 – July 21, 2004) was an American geneticist renowned for his work on the study of genes that control development in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies). His research significantly contributed to the fields of developmental biology, genetics, and evolution. Lewis is best known for his discovery of the Bithorax complex, a group of genes that control the segmentation of the body and the development of appendages in fruit flies. This work not only provided deep insights into the genetic control of development but also laid the foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern the development of all multicellular organisms, including humans.

Early Life and Education

Edward B. Lewis was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He developed an interest in biology at a young age. Lewis attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned his B.A. in Biostatistics in 1939 and his Ph.D. in Genetics in 1942. His doctoral research focused on the Drosophila's chromosomes and their role in development and evolution.

Career and Research

After completing his Ph.D., Lewis joined the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) as a faculty member, where he spent his entire academic career. His early work at Caltech involved the study of the effects of X-rays on mutation rates in fruit flies, contributing to the understanding of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis.

Lewis's most significant contribution to science was his work on the Bithorax complex in Drosophila. Through meticulous breeding and observation experiments, he demonstrated that a series of genes within this complex were responsible for determining the identity of segments in the fruit fly. His research showed that mutations in these genes could lead to the transformation of one segment into the identity of another, such as turning a wing into a leg. This discovery was pivotal in the field of developmental biology and has had profound implications for the study of evolutionary biology and genetics.

Awards and Honors

Edward B. Lewis's groundbreaking work earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1995, which he shared with Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard and Eric F. Wieschaus for their discoveries concerning the genetic control of early embryonic development. Other notable awards include the Thomas Hunt Morgan Medal, the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research, and election to the National Academy of Sciences.

Legacy

Edward B. Lewis's research has had a lasting impact on the fields of genetics and developmental biology. His work on the Bithorax complex has paved the way for further studies on the genetic regulation of development, including the discovery of the Homeobox genes, which play a crucial role in the development of various organisms. Lewis's legacy continues to influence current research in genetics, developmental biology, and evolutionary biology.

See Also

• Genetics
• Developmental biology
• Drosophila melanogaster
• Bithorax complex
• Homeobox

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