While the term "mitosis" was coined by Walther Flemming in 1882, the process itself was observed and studied earlier. The following table summarizes key figures in the discovery of mitosis:
| Researcher | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Otto Bütschli | German zoologist Otto Bütschli was one of the first researchers who might have claimed the discovery of the process presently known as "mitosis", before the term was even coined. |
| Walther Flemming | Coined the term "mitosis" in 1882 and is widely credited with describing the process in detail. |
Details on the Discovery
Though Flemming is often credited, Otto Bütschli was one of the initial researchers to observe and document the cell division process that is now known as mitosis. Bütschli's work laid important groundwork even though he did not name it. Walther Flemming then built upon this work, meticulously detailing the stages of mitosis, and named the process.
Key Points
- Initial Observations: Otto Bütschli was among the earliest to observe cell division, documenting what would later be termed mitosis.
- Term Introduction: Walther Flemming formally named and described mitosis.
In summary, while Otto Bütschli made early observations, it was Walther Flemming who named and detailed the process.
