Podcast
Questions and Answers
Nettie Stevens's pivotal research primarily focused on which area of biological study?
Nettie Stevens's pivotal research primarily focused on which area of biological study?
- The classification and categorization of diverse insect species
- The evolutionary development of reproductive systems in mammals
- The impact of environmental factors on genetic mutations
- The mechanics of chromosomal inheritance and sex determination (correct)
What prevailing scientific belief of the early 20th century did Stevens's work challenge?
What prevailing scientific belief of the early 20th century did Stevens's work challenge?
- The dominance of genetic inheritance over environmental influence
- The significance of cellular differentiation in the formation of tissues
- The role of temperature or nutrition in determining an organism's sex (correct)
- The complex interplay between genes and external factors in development
Which organism served as the primary subject of Stevens's groundbreaking research on sex determination?
Which organism served as the primary subject of Stevens's groundbreaking research on sex determination?
- Fruit flies (Drosophila)
- Pea plants
- Mealworms (correct)
- Nematodes
Stevens's research definitively linked which biological elements to the determination of an organism's sex?
Stevens's research definitively linked which biological elements to the determination of an organism's sex?
When did Stevens achieve her pivotal breakthrough regarding the chromosomal basis of sex determination?
When did Stevens achieve her pivotal breakthrough regarding the chromosomal basis of sex determination?
Which institution supported Stevens's research and work with mealworms around 1904?
Which institution supported Stevens's research and work with mealworms around 1904?
Approximately when did Nettie Stevens begin her professional scientific endeavors?
Approximately when did Nettie Stevens begin her professional scientific endeavors?
Which prominent geneticist acknowledged the importance of Stevens's research in 1912?
Which prominent geneticist acknowledged the importance of Stevens's research in 1912?
In what year did Nettie Stevens obtain her doctoral degree?
In what year did Nettie Stevens obtain her doctoral degree?
What prestigious position was offered to Stevens before her passing?
What prestigious position was offered to Stevens before her passing?
Flashcards
Nettie Stevens
Nettie Stevens
An early 20th-century US biologist known for discovering sex determination through chromosomes.
Sex Determination
Sex Determination
The biological process that determines an organism's sex, linked to chromosomes (X and Y).
1905 Publication
1905 Publication
Year Stevens published her research on chromosome-based sex determination, impacting genetics.
Mealworm Study
Mealworm Study
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Chromosomal Basis
Chromosomal Basis
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Limited Recognition
Limited Recognition
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Thomas Hunt Morgan
Thomas Hunt Morgan
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Ph.D. from Bryn Mawr College
Ph.D. from Bryn Mawr College
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Carnegie Institute Support
Carnegie Institute Support
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Untimely Death
Untimely Death
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Study Notes
Nettie Stevens's Contributions to Genetics
- Nettie Stevens, an early 20th-century US biologist
- Made groundbreaking discovery that sex is determined by specific chromosomes
- One of the first female scientists recognized for her genetic work
- Early career in teaching before pursuing a Ph.D.
- Received a PhD from Bryn Mawr in 1903
- Worked as a researcher for the Carnegie Institute on mealworms.
- Published her work on sex determination in 1905.
- This work pre-dated similar work by Edmund Beecher Wilson
- Discovered that males have both X and Y chromosomes, and females have two X chromosomes.
- Her work identified the role of these chromosomes in determining sex.
- Her contributions were not widely acknowledged until after her death in 1912
- Later influential biologist Thomas Hunt Morgan, recognized her work.
- Her research focused on reproductive cells using microscopes.
- Her findings supported the understanding of chromosomal inheritance
- Studied many species of insects.
Sex Determination
- Early 20th-century scientists debated how biological sex was determined
- Some believed the cause was external factors such as temperature or nutrition at the embryonic stage
- Stevens’ research on mealworms offered a clear counter-argument
- She found that males have X and Y chromosomes and females have two X chromosomes, decisively settling this debate
- The link between physical characteristics and chromosomes was established.
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Description
Explore the groundbreaking discoveries of Nettie Stevens, an early 20th-century biologist who identified the role of chromosomes in determining sex. This quiz highlights her pioneering research, educational background, and the eventual recognition of her contributions to genetics. Test your knowledge on her impactful work and legacy in the field.
