Susumu Ohno

Susumu Ohno (大野 乾, Ohno Susumu, February 1, 1928 – January 13, 1998) was a Japanese-American geneticist who made groundbreaking contributions to the field of genetics. He is best known for his work on the genetic basis of sex determination and the concept of gene duplication as a source of evolutionary innovation.

Early Life and Education

Susumu Ohno was born in Korea, at a time when it was under Japanese rule. He moved to Japan with his family after World War II and later to the United States, where he pursued his higher education. Ohno received his veterinary degree from the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology in 1951 and subsequently moved to the United States to further his studies in genetics.

Career and Research

Ohno began his career in genetics at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California, where he spent the majority of his professional life. His early work involved the study of chromosomes and karyotypes, leading to significant insights into the chromosomal basis of sex determination in mammals.

One of Ohno's most significant contributions to genetics was his proposal of the gene duplication theory in 1970. He suggested that gene duplication plays a crucial role in evolution, as it allows for one copy of a gene to acquire new functions while the other copy continues to perform its original function. This theory has since become a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology and genetics.

Ohno also contributed to the understanding of junk DNA, proposing that much of the non-coding sequences in the genome might have regulatory functions or be involved in the evolution of new genes. His work laid the groundwork for later studies on the complexity of the genome and the roles of non-coding DNA.

Legacy

Susumu Ohno's contributions to genetics have had a lasting impact on the field. His theories on gene duplication and the evolutionary significance of non-coding DNA have influenced subsequent research in genetics and evolutionary biology. Ohno was recognized for his work with numerous awards and honors throughout his career.

Selected Publications

Ohno published extensively on genetics and evolutionary biology. Some of his most influential works include:

• Evolution by Gene Duplication (1970) – In this seminal book, Ohno presents his theory of gene duplication and its role in evolutionary innovation.
• Numerous research articles on the genetics of sex determination, gene duplication, and the role of non-coding DNA in evolution.

Death

Susumu Ohno passed away on January 13, 1998, leaving behind a legacy of pioneering research in genetics. His work continues to influence the fields of genetics, evolutionary biology, and beyond.