Allan C Wilson (1934 - 1991)
Allan C Wilson (1934–1991) was a
New Zealand-born biochemist who made important contributions
to evolutionary biology and molecular genetics. He studied
agricultural science at the University of Otago before
moving to the United States, where he earned a PhD in
Biochemistry at the University of California, Berkeley,
where he later joined the faculty.
In 1967, Wilson and VM Sarich published a quantitative immunological comparison of albumin proteins from different species. Their data indicated that the divergence of Humans from Chimps and Gorillas was far more recent than the date then accepted interpretation from the fossil record. Despite strong initial resistance, new fossil finds (such as 'Lucy') supported their work, and legitimized molecular approaches to evolution. His "molecular clock" concept showed that genetic differences among amino acid or DNA sequences could be used to estimate divergence times of evolutionary lineages. His lab was the first to apply Restriction Endonuclease analysis (RFLPs) and sequencing of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to evolutionary questions.This provided molecular frameworks for the interpretation of biological change and the paleontological record.
Wilson received a MacArthur Fellowship "Genius Grant" in 1986, was inducted into the Royal Society, and received the National Medal of Science in 1991. His Berkeley lab as the world center for the study of molecular evolution. Wilson died prematurely of leukemia on July 21, 1991, at the age of 56. He was at the height of his powers and influence.
In 1967, Wilson and VM Sarich published a quantitative immunological comparison of albumin proteins from different species. Their data indicated that the divergence of Humans from Chimps and Gorillas was far more recent than the date then accepted interpretation from the fossil record. Despite strong initial resistance, new fossil finds (such as 'Lucy') supported their work, and legitimized molecular approaches to evolution. His "molecular clock" concept showed that genetic differences among amino acid or DNA sequences could be used to estimate divergence times of evolutionary lineages. His lab was the first to apply Restriction Endonuclease analysis (RFLPs) and sequencing of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to evolutionary questions.This provided molecular frameworks for the interpretation of biological change and the paleontological record.
Wilson received a MacArthur Fellowship "Genius Grant" in 1986, was inducted into the Royal Society, and received the National Medal of Science in 1991. His Berkeley lab as the world center for the study of molecular evolution. Wilson died prematurely of leukemia on July 21, 1991, at the age of 56. He was at the height of his powers and influence.