George Beadle: from genes to proteins

Abstract

George W. Beadle's life spanned much of the period during which genetics changed from an abstract to a molecular science. Beadle himself catalysed the transition from classical to molecular genetics when, together with Edward Tatum, he discovered that each gene is linked to the production of a protein. This article traces his life from a modest farm to the centre of biology and a principal role in the development of the scientific enterprise.