Although much has been discovered in recent decades to improve genetic testing, the history of genetics is actually a fairly old science and has been studied for many years. In this article, we’re going to provide a brief history of genetics and genetic testing, but if you’re interested in a more comprehensive history of genetic testing and genetics, check out our recommended reading list below.
Cells were first discovered in plant and animal tissues in 1665 and by 1839 cells containing nuclei were recognized as the building blocks of life. It was also recognized that cells could only be formed by the division of other cells, thus laying the foundation for the future study of genetics.
Between 1879 and 1882, Walther Flemming discovered chromosomes or DNA, which is the subject of study in genetics, and thus began the history of actual genetic testing.
In 1902, inherited diseases were first linked to chromosomes, and a host of other genetic disorders were found and described by geneticists thereafter.
Around 1950 a number of discoveries were made regarding the nature of DNA, including the ratio of DNA bases and the fact that they worked in complementary pairs, as well as the structure of the DNA molecule.
Several other discoveries in the history of genetic testing were made during the 1960s and 1970s and in 1975 a method for isolating and analyzing DNA fragments was discovered which is now known as “Southern blot analysis” and is used in genetic testing. .
In 1983, the PCR method of DNA analysis was discovered by Cetus Corporation and is now a popular method of DNA analysis in genetic testing. These techniques led to more disorders being linked to genetics, including cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Huntington’s chorea.
Today, genetic testing is becoming increasingly popular and the history of genetic testing has laid the foundation for modern disease analysis as well as DNA paternity and ancestry testing.
Although the last few decades have seen the history of genetic testing rapidly advance, the study of genetics began many years earlier and what was learned in the early years of this science has helped make genetic testing as we know it possible. today. The history of genetic testing has meant that many disorders can now be diagnosed or predicted through the use of DNA testing and it has been a benefit to many.
