Briefly describe the contribution each of the following people made to the development of genetics or genetic analysis.

Archibald Garrod

Key Concepts

Inborn Errors of Metabolism

Archibald Garrod was a pioneer in the study of inborn errors of metabolism, which are genetic disorders caused by the absence or malfunction of specific enzymes. He proposed that these conditions were hereditary and linked to specific biochemical pathways, laying the groundwork for understanding how genetic mutations can lead to metabolic diseases.

Phenotype and Genotype

Garrod introduced the distinction between phenotype and genotype, emphasizing that the observable traits (phenotype) of an organism are influenced by its genetic makeup (genotype). This concept is fundamental in genetics, as it helps explain how variations in genes can result in different physical and biochemical characteristics.

Mendelian Inheritance

Although Garrod's work predates the widespread acceptance of Mendelian inheritance, his findings on metabolic disorders provided early evidence supporting Mendel's theories. He demonstrated that certain traits, particularly those related to metabolism, could be inherited in a predictable manner, thus contributing to the broader understanding of genetic inheritance.