In the history of genetics, which scientist is credited with synthesizing the first wholly artificial gene in the laboratory?

Introduction / Context:
The ability to synthesise genes artificially in the laboratory marked an important milestone in molecular biology and genetic engineering. Before this achievement, scientists could study natural genes but could not easily construct long stretches of DNA with defined sequences. Creating a wholly artificial gene demonstrated that DNA is a chemical that can be built step by step. This question focuses on the scientist credited with synthesising the first completely artificial gene.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The event in question is the synthesis of the first wholly artificial gene.
- Options include Har Gobind Khorana and several other scientists associated with genetics or physics.
- We assume the standard historical attribution recognised in textbooks.
- The focus is on laboratory synthesis of a gene, not just cloning or discovery of DNA structure.

Concept / Approach:
Har Gobind Khorana, an Indian origin American biochemist, made major contributions to the understanding of the genetic code and the synthesis of nucleic acids. He and his team successfully synthesised the first wholly artificial gene in the late 1960s. This work showed that it was possible to build a functional gene from basic chemical building blocks. Alexander Markham and Herbert Boyer also contributed to molecular biology and recombinant DNA, but they are not credited with the first fully artificial gene. J. J. Thomson was a physicist known for discovering the electron and had no role in gene synthesis. Therefore, Har Gobind Khorana is the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Har Gobind Khorana received the Nobel Prize for work on the genetic code and synthetic RNA and DNA. Step 2: Remember that his group went further to synthesise a complete gene artificially. Step 3: Compare this with Herbert Boyer, who is known for developing recombinant DNA technology with Paul Berg and others. Step 4: Recognise that Alexander Markham is associated with later developments in genetics, not this specific first. Step 5: Note that J. J. Thomson was a physicist in a different field and eliminate that option, selecting Har Gobind Khorana.

Verification / Alternative check:
Molecular biology histories and Nobel Prize summaries highlight Khorana’s achievements in synthesising oligonucleotides and eventually an entire gene. Educational materials on the history of genetics often mention his work specifically as the first successful artificial gene synthesis. Herbert Boyer is instead more prominently known for founding a biotechnology company and his role in recombinant DNA, while J. J. Thomson appears only in physics histories. This separation of contributions confirms that Har Gobind Khorana is correctly identified as the scientist who synthesised the first wholly artificial gene.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Alexander Markham contributed to genetics research but is not historically credited with the first artificial gene synthesis.
- Herbert Boyer is famous for recombinant DNA technology and biotechnology industry developments, not for building the first complete artificial gene.
- J. J. Thomson discovered the electron and worked in physics, not molecular genetics.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse different milestones in molecular biology, such as the discovery of DNA structure, the cloning of genes, and their artificial synthesis. They may also recognise names like Herbert Boyer from recombinant DNA topics and choose them incorrectly. To avoid confusion, it helps to link Har Gobind Khorana specifically with decoding the genetic code and synthesising nucleic acids, including the first artificial gene. Remembering this association makes it easier to answer related questions correctly in exams.

Final Answer:
The first wholly artificial gene was synthesised in the laboratory by Har Gobind Khorana.