1944-

American molecular biologist who discovered the presence of split genes. Sharp's studies revealed that genes are comprised of various DNA regions, set apart by introns, areas where no genetic information is stored. It was previously believed that genes consisted of uninterrupted strands of DNA. Introns, which are apparently unused genetic debris, are thought to play a role in some genetic diseases. Sharp was awarded the 1993 Nobel Prize in Medicine, which he shared with Richard Roberts, for his discovery.