David Mahlon Bonner

David Mahlon Bonner (May 15, 1916 – May 2, 1964) was an American biochemical geneticist known for his work on the genetics of metabolism using the fungus Neurospora crassa. He was among the early contributors to the development of biochemical genetics and played a role in research associated with the "one gene, one enzyme" hypothesis.

Early life and education

Bonner was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, the fourth of seven children. His mother, Grace Gaylord Bonner, also studied chemistry. His work contributed to experimental support for the idea that genes control specific enzymatic functions.

In 1960 Bonner moved to the University of California, San Diego at the invitation of Roger Revelle as the founding chair of the Department of Biology, bringing members of his laboratory and colleagues from Yale University, including the biochemist S. Jonathan Singer.

Personal life and death Bonner married Miriam Thatcher in 1941, and they had two sons.

Publications

Bonner co-authored the textbook Heredity with Stanley E. Mills, published in 1964.