Harriet Creighton facts for kids

Harriet Baldwin Creighton (June 27, 1909 – January 9, 2004) was an American scientist and teacher. She was a botanist, which means she studied plants. She was also a geneticist, meaning she studied genes and how traits are passed down.

Early Life and Education

Harriet Creighton was born in Delavan, Illinois. She went to Wellesley College and finished her studies there in 1929. Later, she continued her education at Cornell University. She earned her Ph.D. (a very advanced degree) from Cornell in 1933.

Important Scientific Discoveries

While at Cornell University, Harriet Creighton worked with another famous scientist named Barbara McClintock. They studied the genetics of corn plants. Their work focused on something called cytogenetics. This is the study of how cells and their chromosomes relate to heredity.

In 1931, they published a very important scientific paper. In this paper, they described something new called chromosomal crossover for the first time. Imagine chromosomes as long threads inside cells that carry genetic information. Chromosomal crossover is when two chromosomes exchange parts of their genetic material.

Their discovery was a big deal in science. It showed clearly that chromosomes are indeed the carriers of genes. It also proved that these chromosomes exchange genetic information. This meant that the traits we inherit, like eye color or height, are carried on these chromosomes. Barbara McClintock helped guide Harriet Creighton's research for her Ph.D.

Teaching and Service

After getting her Ph.D., Harriet Creighton taught at Cornell University and Connecticut College. She then went back to Wellesley College, where she taught for many years. She retired from teaching in 1974.

During her teaching career, she took a break to serve her country. She joined the U.S. Navy during World War II.

See also

• In Spanish: Harriet Creighton para niños