Lynn Margulis

Biography

Ironically, it was the microscope that provided Lynn Margulis with a larger view of relationships between living organisms. In the 1960’s, she revived the theory of endosymbiosis: mitochondria and chloroplasts were once free-living bacteria that took up residence inside another microorganism. This tentative association became more permanent through time, leading to the evolution of modern eukaryotic cells. She continued to gather data in support of this theory though she was met with intense opposition from other scientists. At present, the bacterial ancestry of mitochondria and chloroplasts has been revealed. She has also made important contributions to the understanding the taxonomic relationships and life history of a multitude of microorganisms. She continues to study the symbiotic relationships of microorganisms today, and cultivates scientific interest through her innovative teaching methods.

“Scientists are mostly instrumentalists, but she’s an innovator—often ahead, not always right, but right enough of the time.”

--Peter Raven on Lynn Margulis (University of Chicago Magazine, February 2004)

Selected Publications

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