Friedrich Miescher

Friedrich Miescher was a Swiss scientist who, in 1869, discovered a new substance in the nuclei of cells, which he called "nuclein"—today known as DNA. His work was crucial because it identified the material responsible for passing genetic information from one generation to the next. Miescher's discovery laid the foundation for genetics and our understanding of heredity, even though its significance was fully recognized later. His research marked the beginning of molecular biology, helping scientists eventually unlock the structure and function of DNA.