Nirenberg's Genetic Code Chart, 1961-66

On May 27, 1961, Heinrich Matthaei, a postdoc working with NIH scientist Marshal Nirenberg, placed synthetic polyuracil RNA into 20 test tubes to see what it would produce. Each tube contained cytoplasmic extract from Escherichia coli and a specific radiolabeled amino acid. Ribosomes from the tube containing labeled phenylalanine came back 'hot,' and the world was a step closer to understanding the genetic code.

CLICK HERE for a larger version of this image

Courtesy of Terry Sharrer

(continued >>)

To continue reading this full article, you must be a subscriber to The Scientist.

You are only a few minutes away from unlimited access.

If you already have an online subscription, please Log-In Now.
New to The Scientist? Register to get access to a selection of our content, interactive features and useful tools free without a subscription.

Subscribe to The Scientist to get unlimited access to our premium content

Get unlimited access to this article and over 20 years of The Scientist archives. You won’t miss a word – all for as little as $4.95. Subscribe now.

The Scientist offers site licenses to institutions and organizations. Recommend us to your librarian and get online access through your place or work or study.