Dr Robert Callow<\/p>\n
A century ago, our understanding of the mechanism of heredity was revolutionised by a series of ground-breaking studies in a laboratory, known as \u2018The Fly Room\u2019 in the University of Columbia in New York. The \u2018fly\u2019 in question was a harmless little fruit-fly, known as Drosophila melanogaster<\/em>. This insect had a number of special properties which rendered it ideal for genetic studies: a small number of chromosomes readily visible in the salivary glands; a large sex-chromosome which exposed sex-linked patterns of inheritance; a short life cycle of only seventeen days and a range of distinctive single-gene mutants affecting body colour and shape, eye colour and shape and wing size and shape. These properties enabled researchers in Columbia to resolve many of the controversies which had emerged from studies in the 19th<\/sup> Century. Their discoveries laid the groundwork for the great strides in genetics which took place in the 20th<\/sup> Century. We shall begin by exploring the pioneering studies of the 19th<\/sup> Century, in order to arrive at the state of knowledge and understanding which prevailed when Drosophila<\/em> came under the spotlight. We shall then proceed to follow the fascinating revelations as they unfolded. The findings did more than lay the basis for modern genetics; they underscored the validity of the scientific method. Presentations will be supported with visual images. Detailed notes will be provided and discussion encouraged.<\/p>\n Recommended reading Day<\/strong>: Monday\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Time<\/strong>: 10.30am – 12.30pm or:<\/strong><\/p>\n Day<\/strong>: Friday\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Time<\/strong>: 2 -4pm
\n<\/strong>Bateson, B. (2009). William Bateson, Naturalist: His Essays and Addresses Together with a Short Account of His Life<\/em><\/a>. Cambridge University Press.
\nISBN-10: 1108004342; ISBN-13: 978-1108004343
\nShine, I. & Wrobel, S. (2009). Thomas Hunt Morgan: Pioneer of Genetics<\/em><\/a>. The University Press of Kentucky. ISBN-10: 0813193370; ISBN-13: 978-0813193373
\nWhitehouse, H.L.K. (1969). Towards an Understanding of the Mechanism of Heredity<\/em><\/a>. Edward Arnold, London. SBN 7131 2225 0<\/p>\n
\n10 weeks, 13 January to 16 March 2020
\nVenue<\/strong>:
\nLong Street Methodist Church, Long Street, Middleton
\nManchester M24 5EU
\nWe shall meet in one of Edgar Wood\u2019s (1860~1935) attractive \u2018Arts and Crafts\u2019 rooms attached to the church. The room is approachable via the small front gate on Long Street, which forms part of Rochdale Road (A664)<\/em><\/p>\n
\n10 weeks, 17 January to 20 March 2020
\nVenue<\/strong>:
\nWilmslow Library, South Drive, Wilmslow SK9 1NW
\nTel: 01625 374060\u00a0 website: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk\/libraries<\/a><\/p>\n