Gregor Johann Mendel Biography and Genetics Research

Comprehensive flashcards covering Gregor Johann Mendel's early life, education, religious entry, scientific experiments with edible peas (Pisum sativum), publications, and later life based on lecture slides.

Who is the historical figure shown in this portrait?

Gregor Johann Mendel

When and where was Gregor Johann Mendel born?

He was born on July 22, 1822, in Heinzendorf, Silesia, Austrian Empire.

When, where, and from what cause did Gregor Johann Mendel die?

He died on January 6, 1884, at age 61 in Brunn, Austria-Hungary, due to Nephritis.

What were the three professions listed for Gregor Johann Mendel?

Botanist, Teacher, and Augustinian Prelate.

Who recognized Mendel's academic abilities during his rural childhood, and what action did they take?

His academic abilities were recognized by the local priest, who persuaded his parents to send him away to school at age 11.

Where did Mendel pursue his studies after completing his gymnasium (grammar school) studies in 1840?

He entered a two-year program in philosophy at the Philosophical Institute of the University of Olmutz, completing his studies in 1843.

In which subjects did Mendel excel while studying at the Philosophical Institute of the University of Olmutz?

Physics and mathematics.

Which monastery did Mendel enter, and what name was he given there?

He entered the Altbrunn Monastery as a novitiate of the Augustinian order, where he was given the name Gregor.

What subjects did Mendel study during his two years at the University of Vienna?

New programs of scientific instruction, physics, mathematics, and anatomy and physiology of plants with the use of a microscope.

What major experimental program did Mendel plan at the monastery in 1845, and what was its aim?

A major experimental program in hybridization aimed at tracing the transmission of hereditary characters in successive generations of hybrid progeny.

Which organism did Mendel select for his hybridization studies, and what is its scientific name?

The edible pea (Pisum sativum).

For what reasons did Mendel choose the edible pea (Pisum sativum) for his experiments?

Because of the numerous distinct varieties, the ease of culture and control of pollination, and the high proportion of successful seed germinations.

When and to which organization did Mendel first present the results of his hybridization experiments?

In two separate lectures in 1865 to the Natural Society in Brunn.

What was the title of Mendel's published paper, and when was it published?

His paper "Experiments on Plant Hybrids" was published in the journal of the Natural Society in Brunn in the year following his lectures (1866).

What work was Mendel still able to continue by 1871?

His meteorological and apicultural work.

What was Mendel's only visit to England, and when did it occur?

His only visit to England was to see the Industrial Exhibition in 1862.