Gregor Mendel

Gregor Johann Mendel, a 19th century biologist, is widely recognized as the founder of the modern science of genetics. He introduced the concept of "recessive" and "dominant" traits based on his pea plant experiments, terms that were subsequently applied to genes. As the son of a struggling farmer, he became a Monk joining the order of Saint Augustine in part to help secure an education. In one of Mendel's sermons, he made reference to the "seeds" of "eternal life": "The seed of supernatural life, of sanctifying grace, cleanses from sin, so preparing the soul of man, and man must seek to preserve this life by his good works. He still needs the supernatural food, the body of the Lord, which received continually, develops and brings to completion of the life."