The Jumping Genome - Changing Ideas about Heredity and Evolution

Explore the evolution of genetic science in this 1-hour 17-minute lecture by Nina Fedoroff, External Professor at Santa Fe Institute. Trace the origins of genetics from Gregor Mendel's pea plant experiments to the groundbreaking discoveries of DNA structure and whole genome sequencing. Delve into the revolutionary concepts that transformed our understanding of genes and chromosomes, from the static "beads on a string" model to Barbara McClintock's jumping corn genes and the modern view of a dynamic genome. Gain insights into how these advancements have reshaped our ideas about heredity and evolution, offering a comprehensive overview of the field's explosive growth throughout the 20th century.