NCERT MCQ Solutions for Class 10 English Supplementary Chapter 6 The Making of a Scientist

At the age of twenty-two, Ebright and his roommate published a new theory on how cells work in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, a significant achievement for a college student.

Ebright was an only child who grew up north of Reading, Pennsylvania. The limited opportunities in his hometown encouraged him to collect things and nurture his curiosity about the natural world.

Ebright’s fascination with collecting butterflies was the activity that opened the world of science to him and laid the foundation for his future scientific pursuits.

Ebright’s mother played a central role in his early education by taking him on trips, buying him scientific equipment, and finding learning opportunities for him, especially after his father died when Ebright was in third grade.

The children’s book “The Travels of Monarch X” inspired Ebright to become involved in scientific research, particularly the study of butterfly migration, marking a turning point in his scientific journey.

Inspired by the book, Ebright began tagging monarch butterflies for Dr Frederick A. Urquhart’s research, which required attaching tags and tracking butterfly migration patterns.

Ebright lost the science fair with simple slides of frog tissues, but he noticed winners conducted actual experiments. This motivated him to design real experiments in subsequent years.

Ebright’s eighth grade project focused on finding the cause of a viral disease in monarch caterpillars, hypothesizing that beetles might carry the disease.

Although Ebright’s results were inconclusive, he learned that performing genuine experiments and presenting them properly was valuable and helped him win that year.

Ebright’s project tested the theory that viceroy butterflies mimic monarchs to avoid being eaten by birds, contributing to understanding of mimicry in nature.

Ebright’s research into the purpose of the twelve gold spots on a monarch pupa led him to discover that they produced a hormone necessary for butterfly development.

With access to sophisticated laboratory equipment, Ebright eventually identified the chemical structure of the hormone produced by the gold spots on the monarch pupa.

Ebright and his roommate James R. Wong published a theory that helped explain how cells use DNA as a blueprint, a significant contribution to biology.

Ebright was not only a top science student but also excelled as a debater, public speaker and canoeist, demonstrating a well-rounded personality and a range of interests.

Ebright’s social studies teacher and Model United Nations club adviser, Mr Weiherer, inspired him to explore new ideas and put in extra effort in both academic and extracurricular pursuits.

Mr Weiherer praised Ebright for his genuine desire to do his best and to win for the sake of achievement, not merely for accolades or prizes.

Ebright’s early science fair disappointment taught him the importance of conducting meaningful experiments and advancing knowledge, shaping his future scientific approach.

Ebright was awarded the Searle Scholar Award and the Schering Plough Award for his outstanding research in biochemistry and molecular biology, reflecting his scientific talent.

The author highlights that curiosity, a strong mind and the will to win for the right reasons are key ingredients in the making of a scientist like Ebright.

Ebright’s research with butterfly wing cells and hormones helped clarify how DNA functions as the blueprint for cell development, making a significant contribution to biology.