Norton David ZinderBorn 7 Nov 1928.American biologist and molecular geneticist who studied a species of Salmonella (bacteria that cause illnesses such as typhoid fever or food poisoning in humans and other warm- blooded animals). He discovered genetic transduction, or transfer of genetic information by viruses. Genetic material is transferred from one bacterial cell to another by means of a phage, or a virus that invades the bacterial cell, assumes control over the cell's genetic material, reproduces, then eventually destroys the cell. His discovery of this genetic transfer has led to further studies into the mapping and behavior of genes found in bacteria. Daniel Nathans in collaboration with Zinder in 1962 demonstrated that RNA from a bacterial virus directed the synthesis by cell extracts of viral coat protein. |
