Chapter 33 : Let’s Not Forget Acetabularia

Abstract:

If I asked you what was the experimental basis for the central dogma of biology (DNA makes RNA makes protein), you would be likely to mention the classical findings that the transforming principle was DNA (Avery et al.) or that phages transfer DNA to the host (Hershey & Chase). However, it is unlikely that you even have heard that the precept was earlier derived from studies with a unicellular marine alga, Acetabularia. If so, you would miss the remarkable biology that made it possible to carry out this work. Here is why: Acetabularia is such a large cell that it can be readily handled with one’s hands. It can be amputated into pieces that can be grafted together and its nucleus transplanted as easily as walking in the park.