Emil Heitz Explained

Emil Heitz (born 19 October 1892 in Strasbourg, then part of the German Empire - died 8 July 1965 in Lugano, Switzerland) was a German-Swiss botanist and geneticist.^[1]

In 1928, Heitz detected differences along chromosomes that correlated with linear arrangement of genes, suggesting the terms euchromatin and heterochromatin for differences detectable by suitable chromosomal stains.^{[2] [3]} His subsequent studies developed what he called cytological genetics, laying the ground for what is now termed cytogenetics.

In November 1933 Heitz was a signatory of the Vow of allegiance of the Professors of the German Universities and High-Schools to Adolf Hitler and the National Socialistic State.

In 1955, Heitz was the first winner of the Schleiden Medal.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Historical Dictionary of Switzerland - Heitz, Emil. 6 January 2011. Historical Dictionary of Switzerland. 9 May 2015.
2. Heitz. Emil. Das Heterochromatin der Moose.. Jahrbücher für Wissenschaftliche Botanik. 1928. 69. 762–818.
3. Passarge. E. Emil Heitz and the concept of heterochromatin: longitudinal chromosome differentiation was recognized fifty years ago.. American Journal of Human Genetics. March 1979. 31. 2. 106–15. 377956. 1685768.
4. Web site: Academy of Sciences Leopoldina - Schleiden Medal - Laureate. Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. 9 May 2015.