André Michel Lwoff

French microbiologist and Nobel laureate

André Michel Lwoff (8 May 1902 – 30 September 1994) was a French microbiologist and virologist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1965 for his discoveries concerning the genetic regulation of viruses. His work significantly advanced the understanding of bacteriophages and the lysogenic cycle.

Early life and education

André Michel Lwoff receiving the Nobel Prize

André Lwoff was born in Ainay-le-Château, France. He developed an early interest in biology and pursued his studies at the University of Paris, where he earned his medical degree and later a PhD in microbiology.

Career and research

Lwoff began his career at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, where he worked alongside prominent scientists such as Édouard Chatton and Jacques Monod. His early research focused on the protozoa and the ciliates, contributing to the understanding of their cell biology and genetics.

Discovery of lysogeny

Lwoff's most notable work was on the bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria. He discovered the phenomenon of lysogeny, where a bacteriophage integrates its genetic material into the host bacterium's genome and remains dormant until triggered to enter the lytic cycle. This discovery was crucial in understanding how viruses can remain latent and the mechanisms of viral gene regulation.

Nobel Prize

In 1965, Lwoff was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, along with François Jacob and Jacques Monod, for their discoveries concerning the genetic control of enzyme and virus synthesis. Their work laid the foundation for the field of molecular biology and the study of gene expression.

Legacy

Lwoff's contributions to microbiology and virology have had a lasting impact on the scientific community. His work on lysogeny and gene regulation has influenced research in genetics, immunology, and cancer biology.

Related pages

• Microbiology
• Virology
• Bacteriophage
• Lysogenic cycle
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine