Beadle, George Wells (Biologist, Nobel Laureate)
Person
Dates
- Existence: 1903 - 1989
Biographical/Historical
Background: Nobel Laureate in Physiology and Medicine, 1958; Caltech Professor of Biology and Chairman, Division of Biology, 1946-1961; Caltech Research Fellow, 1931-36; President of the University of Chicago, 1961-68.
Biographical/Historical
Description: George Beadle, Edward L. Tatum and Joshua Lederberg were awarded the Nobel Prize for their 1941 research that first suggested each of the biochemical reactions of a cell is governed by a particular gene. This led to the idea that each gene controls the production of a particular enzyme. Their discovery was made by subjecting red bread mold Neurospora to X-rays and ultraviolet light to produce mutations. Beadle also worked with other organisms that are major tools of theoretical genetics--Drosophila, which he first studied under Thomas Hunt Morgan at Caltech in the 1930s, and maize, in which he maintained a life-long interest from his college days. Later in his career, Beadle proved to be an able administrator, admired by staff and students.
Biographical/Historical
Collection Notes: Papers, 1903-1983. A rich source of information about Beadle's life and work, this collection also presents an important historical perspective on the Caltech scientific and political community during the 1940s and 1950s. It includes letters, manuscripts, reports, biographical and genealogical material, photographs, awards and miscellaneous material.
Collection size: 39 boxes, 15 linear ft.
Finding aid available at the Archives.
Photo of George W. Beadle (PhotoNet).
Also see: Caltech Committee Files
Collection size: 39 boxes, 15 linear ft.
Finding aid available at the Archives.
Photo of George W. Beadle (PhotoNet).
Also see: Caltech Committee Files
Found in 25 Collections and/or Records:
George Wells Beadle Papers
Collection
Identifier: 10044-MS
Abstract
George Wells Beadle served as Chairman of the Biology Division at the California Institute of Technology (1946-1961); President of the University of Chicago (1961-1968); recipient of numerous prestigious awards including the Nobel Prize in Physiology for his studies in genetics (1958); member of councils and boards both in government and the private sector; awarded honorary degrees from many universities, including Yale (1947), Oxford (1959), Brown (1964) and The University of Michigan (1969)....
Dates:
1908-1984
Beadle Photographs
Unprocessed
Identifier: 1988-00096
George Beadle: An Uncommon Farmer
Unprocessed
Identifier: 2003-00029
George Beadle Oral History Interview (Non-CIT) with Mark Herbst
Unprocessed
Identifier: 1990-00018
Dates:
1981-04-01
George Beadle Oral History Interview (Non-CIT) with Mark Herbst [sound recording]
Unprocessed
Identifier: 1981-00002
Dates:
1981-04-01
George Wells Beadle Papers, 1908-1984
Unprocessed
Identifier: 1973-00003
Historical File On George Beadle
Unprocessed
Identifier: 1988-00093
Nobel Medal replica
Unprocessed
Identifier: 2001-00022
Photographs Beadle & Others
Unprocessed
Identifier: 1987-00030
Photographs Of Beadle'S Medals
Unprocessed
Identifier: 1988-00095
Photographs Of Corn
Unprocessed
Identifier: 1987-00031
Photos Of George Beadle's Parents, Brother, Home
Unprocessed
Identifier: 1990-00019
The Busy Years Of George Wells Beadle
Unprocessed
Identifier: 1988-00094
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