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Article ID: CBB000773221

Muriel Wheldale Onslow and Early Biochemical Genetics (2007)

Richmond, Marsha L. (Author)

Journal of the History of Biology
Volume: 40
Pages: 389--426

Publication Date: 2007
Edition Details: First article of a special section: “Women in Genetics”
Language: English

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Genetics Biochemistry Women in science 20th century, early Bateson, William Onslow, Muriel Wheldale

Muriel Wheldale, a distinguished graduate of Newnham College, Cambridge, was a member of William Bateson's school of genetics at Cambridge University from 1903. Her investigation of flower color inheritance in snapdragons (Antirrhinum), a topic of particular interest to botanists, contributed to establishing Mendelism as a powerful new tool in studying heredity. Her understanding of the genetics of pigment formation led her to do cutting-edge work in biochemistry, culminating in the publication of her landmark work, The Anthocyanin Pigments of Plants (1916). In 1915, she joined Frederick Gowland Hopkin's Department of Biochemistry as assistant and in 1926 became one of the first women to be appointed university lecturer. In 1919 she married the biochemist Huia Onslow, with whom she collaborated until his death in 1922. This paper examines Wheldale's work in genetics and especially focuses on the early linkage of Mendelian methodology with new techniques in biochemistry that eventually led to the founding of biochemical genetics. It highlights significant issues in the early history of women in genetics, including the critical role of mentors, funding opportunities, and career strategies.

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Description Wheldale was a member of William Bateson's school of genetics at Cambridge. Other articles in special section include:

Includes Series Articles

Article Stamhuis, Ida H.; Monsen, Arve (2007) Kristine Bonnevie, Tine Tammes and Elisabeth Schiemann in Early Genetics: Emerging Chances for a University Career for Women. Journal of the History of Biology (p. 427). unapi

Article Ogilvie, Marilyn Bailey (2007) Inbreeding, Eugenics, and Helen Dean King (1869--1955). Journal of the History of Biology (p. 467). unapi

Article Dietrich, Michael R.; Tambasco, Brandi H. (2007) Beyond the Boss and the Boys: Women and the Division of Labor in Drosophila Genetics in the United States, 1934--1970. Journal of the History of Biology (p. 509). unapi

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https://data.isiscb.org/isis/citation/CBB000773221/

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