Theodor Boveri

Boveri, Theodor 

Born Oct. 12,1862, in Bamberg; died Oct. 15, 1915, in Würzburg. German cytologist and embryologist. Professor at the University of Würzburg.

Beginning in 1887, Boveri investigated changes in intracellular structures during cell division, maturation of sex cells, fertilization, and the early development of the embryo. Boveri and K. Rabl advanced the theory of the individuality of chromosomes that was subsequently used to substantiate the chromosomal theory of heredity. Boveri established the role of the centrosome as the kinetic center of the cell. He laid the foundation for teaching on the so-called organ-forming substances. He discovered the difference between the chromatin of sex cells and other (somatic) cells. Boveri also discovered the excretory system in the lancelet.

WORKS

Zellen-Studien, fasc. 1–6. Jena, 1887–1907.
Das Problem der Befruchtung. Jena, 1902.
Über die Entstehung der Eugsterschen Zwitterbienen.” Archiv für Entwicklungsmechanik der Organismen, 1915, vol. 41, fasc. 25.