August 25, 2003 by

Martha Chase

41 comments

Categories: Scientists

Martha Chase, a scientist who helped conduct a famous DNA experiment, died on Aug. 8 of pneumonia. She was 75.
Chase was only in her 20s when she worked with biologist Alfred D. Hershey on the “blender experiments” at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York. Chase and Hershey used an ordinary kitchen blender to demonstrate that the DNA of a virus, and not its proteins, carried its inherited information. Hershey won the Nobel Prize in 1969 for proving this theory.
Chase received her bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of Wooster in Ohio, and her post-doctoral degree at the University of Southern California. In the late 1960s, her scientific career ended when she experienced a series of personal and financial setbacks, and succumbed to dementia.

41 Responses to Martha Chase

  1. Amanda

    She was a great scientist who helped discover the form of DNA with a great collegue right next to her.
    GOD REST HER MIND, BODY, AND SOUL!!!

  2. Annie

    I am doing a report on Chase for my class and I was like oh yeah another report but after reading up on Chase I had alot of fun on it! May she rest in peace!

  3. Lulu

    WOMEN like you DESERVE to be REMEMBERED not REMINDED … SORRY you just like
    ROSALIND FRANKLIN never recieved the
    CREDIT you are OWED!!!!

  4. Peyton Manning

    Martha Chase’s work has changed my very being. I now know i have a purpose in life. Without this amazing, beautiful woman, I would wither away in ignorance. Praise Alah!

  5. Abby

    I am doing a project in my Biotech Class on the structure and history of DNA…both Martha Chase and Alfred Hershey are remarkable people and they deserve this recogniztion…thank you for this website….
    R.I.P. M.C. and A.H.
    god rest your souls

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