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Gregor Mendel published results of his investigations of the inheritance "factors" based on his work with peas. He noted certain factors, later called genes, are passed from parent to offspring.
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Maurice Wilkins, Rosalind Franklin, Francis Crick and James Watson discover the chemical structure of DNA. This being the double-helical shape of DN. This starts a new branch of science - molecular biology. Watson and Crick made a model of the DNA mlecule and proved that genes determine heredity.
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Arthur Kornberg produced DNA in a test tube.
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Sanger developed a sequencing procedure for DNA.
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The genetic code was discovered. Scientists are now able to predict characteristics by studying DNA. This leads to genetic engineering, genetic couseling etc.
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Paul Berg produced the first recombinant DNA molecule.
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Barbara McClintock was awarded the Nobel Prize for her discovery that genes are able to change position on chromosomes.
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An international team of scientists began the project to map the human genome. The first crime convivtion based on DNA fingerprinting, in Portland Oregon
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Gene therapy was used on patients for the first time.
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Kary Mullis discovered the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) procedure, for which he was awarded the Nobel prize.
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The FDA approved the first genetically engineered food - FlavrSavr tomatoes engineered for better flavour and shelf life.
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DNA testing in forensics cases gains fame in the O.J. Simpson trial.
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Dolly the Sheep - the first adult animal clone.
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Ventor and Francis jointly announce the sequencing of the entire human genome.