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Scientist Exhibit

Barbara McClintock

Biology & Life Sciences

1902 – 1992 United States

Discovered mobile genetic elements through studies of maize

Overview Institutions
Barbara McClintock

Overview

About Barbara McClintock

Barbara McClintock used maize chromosomes to investigate how genes behave and are regulated. Through years of close observation, she discovered that some genetic elements can move from one location in the genome to another. These mobile elements, later called transposons, changed the understanding of genetic stability and gene control and became fundamental to modern genetics.

Scientific Contribution

Key Discovery

Transposons

Discovery of mobile genetic elements, often called "jumping genes."

Life Timeline

Important Moments

1919

education

Begins studying at Cornell University

McClintock entered Cornell's College of Agriculture in 1919, where she developed her enduring interest in genetics.

1948

discovery

Describes mobile controlling elements in maize

McClintock reported that genetic elements in maize could change position within chromosomes, establishing the concept of transposition.

1950

publication

Publishes evidence for Ac and Ds transposition

McClintock published experimental evidence showing that the Ac and Ds controlling elements could transpose and alter gene activity.

1983

award

Receives the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

McClintock received the 1983 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her discovery of mobile genetic elements.

Places & Networks

Institutions

research institution

Carnegie Institution of Washington, Cold Spring Harbor

Cold Spring Harbor , United States

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