Timeline of Biotechnology

1902

  • The term "immunology" first appears.

1906

  • The term "genetics" is introduced.

1907

  • The first in vivo culture of animal cells is reported.

  • The first in vivo culture of animal cells is reported.

1909

  • Genes are linked with hereditary disorders.

1911

  • The first cancer-causing virus is discovered by Rous.

1914

  • Bacteria are used to treat sewage for the first time in Manchester, England.

1915

  • Phages, or bacterial viruses, are discovered.

1919

  • The word "biotechnology" is first used by a Hungarian agricultural engineer.

1920

  • The human growth hormone is discovered by Evans and Long.

1927

  • Muller discovers that X-rays cause mutation.

1928

  • Fleming discovers penicillin, the first antibiotic.

1938

  • The term "molecular biology" is coined.

1941

  • The term "genetic engineering" is first used by a Danish microbiologist.

1942

  • The electron microscope is used to identify and characterize a bacteriophage- a virus that infects bacteria.

1943

  • Avery demonstrates that DNA is the "transforming factor" and is the material of genes.

1944

  • DNA is shown to be the material substance of the gene.

1949

  • Pauling shows that sickle cell anemia is a "molecular disease" resulting from a mutation.