TIFR Report, 1945 - 1970

Description of the genesis of the TIFR Institute with notes on its founders and its honorary members; Molecular Biology section was started in '62 with grants from Wellcome Trust of London; 30 staff members present; transfer, replication and recombination of genetic molecules in bacteria was studied, using E. coli they showed that replication and recombination are dissociated, DNA recombination and the relative contributions of the donor and recipient strand were studied; B.subtilis properties post transformation were studied; degradation and translation of RNA was studied; fungus A. nidulans was studied for gene regulation; genetic control of glycolytic enzyme in yeast and E.coli were studied, it was found that single mutational events could cause multiple defects; Brain hexokinase enzyme was purified from the beef brain cortex for further studies; Frog sciatic nerves were worked on to study conduction and ATP synthesis; studies on Sea Urchin embryogenesis; studies in biochemical techniques were initiated using moss; highlights: Facilities for plant and animal cell culture were initiated; neurobiology was initiated in collaboration with the Computer Group; Philips EM 2P0 Electron Microscope was set up; two X-Ray diffraction units were also available; Summary: A. nidulans, frogs and sea urchins were used as models, a collaborative unit between the various physical sciences teams was formed in order to initiate thorough research into the emerging biotechnology field, many discoveries were made that would serve as the root of further research for the next several years.