The chromosome number in humans: a brief history.
Following the rediscovery of Mendel's work in 1900, the field of genetics advanced rapidly. Human genetics, however, lagged behind; this was especially noticeable in cytogenetics, which was already a mature discipline in experimental forms in the 1950s. We did not know the correct human chromosome number in 1955, let alone were we able to detect a chromosomal abnormality. In 1956 a discovery was reported that markedly altered human cytogenetics and genetics. The following is an analysis of that discovery.
Gartler
Stanley M
SM
Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA. gartler@u.washington.edu
D002877:Chromosomes, Human; D003582:Cytogenetics / Q000266:history*; D005826:Genetics, Medical / Q000266:history*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans