Top 10 Discoveries That Changed Biology Forever

Biology is the study of living organisms. If there is any subject that understands life on the planet, it is biology. Today, we know a lot about the world that we live in and the body that we live in, all thanks to the field of biology and the inspiring biologists who have contributed significantly to the field.

Today, we bring to you the top 10 discoveries in the field of biology that have changed the field forever.

10 groundbreaking discoveries in the field of biology

From the discovery of the DNA structure to the theory of evolution, we have covered the most significant discoveries in the field of biology. The list is not exhaustive. though. The first one on the list is the discovery of the cell theory.

Cell Theory

It was in the 19th century when Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann who proposed the cell theory. The theory states that all living organisms are composed of cells. The discovery paved the way for modern psychology. The theory emphasises on the fact that the cell is the basic unit of life.

DNA Structure and Function

It was in the year 1953 when Francis Crick and Hames Watson threw light on the double-helix structure of DNA. This unique revelation explained the way genetic formation is stored and transmitted. The discovery revolutionzed genetics and lead to advancements in the fields like biotechnology, medicine, and genetic engineering.

Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection

In the 1859 publication titled "On the Origin of Species", Charles Darwin introduced the groundbreaking theory of evolution by natural selection to the world, The concept elucidated the way species adapt and evolve with time. The theory offers a unifying framework to understand the diversity of life forms on the planet.

Mendelian Gene

The experiments of Gregor Mendel with pea plants threw light on the principles of inheritance. the experiment was done in the mid-19th century. The work of the scientist paved the way for modern genetics. the theory threw light on how the traits are passed from one generation to the other through discrete units known as genes.

Discovery of Microorganisms

The invention of the microscope by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in the 17th century led to the groundbreaking discovery of microorganisms. The revelation opened the gates for a brand new world of study, leading to the realm of infectious diseases and microbiology. The discovery ultimately led to the enhancement of public health through a deep understanding of pathogens.

Structure of Proteins

The discovery and understanding of protein structures, like the discovery of the structure of insulin by Dorothy Hodgkin, has proved to be important in the understanding several biochemical processes. The insights thus obtained led to the advancement of knowledge of metabolic pathways, enzyme function, and molecular basis of various diseases.

The Genetic Code

Researchers were successful in the 1960s in deciphering the genetic code. This discovery revealed the way sequences of DNA are transformed into proteins. the discovery proved to be fundamental and extremely crucial to molecular biology. The discovery enabled scientists to understand the way genes direct the synthesis of proteins governing cellular functions.

CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing

The development of this technology has revolutionized the realm of genetic engineering by enabling the precise editing of DNA sequences. The breakthrough development has had huge impacts in the fields of agriculture, medicine, and research. 

Human Genome Project

This one was finished in the year 2003. The project mapped the complete human genome. The monumental achievement has offered a substantial reference for genetic research. The project has made it possible for scientists to identify the genes that are associated with disease. It has also helped in understanding human evolution. Moreover, the project has also made personalized medicine possible.

The discovery of antibiotics

In the year 1928, Alexander Fleming identified penicillin. This moment meant the discovery of antibiotics and transformed the world of medicine by offering quick and effective treatments for bacterial infections The breakthrough discovery had made it possible to save countless lives.

All in all, these ten discoveries have significantly altered our understanding of biology for good. As the world progresses to explore the mysteries of biology, the fundamental discoveries discussed above will still be the cornerstones of our scientific knowledge.

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