History of Genetics

Although the science of genetics began with the work of Gregor Mendel in the mid-1800s, there were some theories of inheritance that preceded Mendel. A popular theory during Mendel's time was the concept of blending inheritance: the idea that individuals inherit a smooth blend of traits from their parents. Mendel's work disproved this, showing that traits are composed of combinations of distinct genes rather than a continuous blend. Also popular at the time was the theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics: the belief that individuals inherit traits that have been strengthened in their parents. This theory (commonly associated with Jean-Baptiste Lamarck) is now known to be wrong, the experiences of individuals do not affect the genes they pass to their children. Other theories included the pangenesis of Charles Darwin, which had both acquired and inherited aspects, and Francis Galton's reformulation of pangenesis as both particulate and inherited.