Derek Barton

Christian Boehmer Anfinsen, Jr. (March 26, 1916 – May 14, 1995) was an American biochemist renowned for his work on the proteins, particularly the understanding of the ways in which proteins fold to their characteristic three-dimensional structures. His research significantly contributed to the field of biochemistry, earning him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1972 for his work on ribonuclease, especially concerning the connection between the amino acid sequence and the biologically active conformation. Anfinsen's principles that the primary structure of a protein determines its three-dimensional structure is a fundamental concept in biochemistry and molecular biology, known as Anfinsen's dogma.

Biography

Christian B. Anfinsen was born in Monessen, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Philadelphia. He completed his undergraduate degree in chemistry at Swarthmore College in 1937 and received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Harvard University in 1943. After completing his doctorate, Anfinsen worked at the Carlsberg Laboratory in Copenhagen and the Medical Nobel Institute in Stockholm. He returned to the United States in 1950 to work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) where he spent most of his career. Anfinsen was also a professor at Johns Hopkins University and later at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.

Scientific Contributions

Anfinsen's most notable scientific contribution was his research on the folding of enzymes, particularly ribonuclease. He demonstrated that the ribonuclease enzyme could be denatured by urea, which unfolds the protein, and then renatured by removing the urea, suggesting that all the information required for folding the protein into its native structure is contained within its amino acid sequence. This work laid the foundation for the field of protein folding and was critical in the understanding of the biochemical basis of life.

Awards and Honors

In addition to the Nobel Prize, Anfinsen received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science, including the Gairdner Foundation International Award in 1969 and election to the National Academy of Sciences. His work has had a lasting impact on the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology.

Legacy

Christian B. Anfinsen's legacy is marked by his pioneering research in protein folding, which has influenced countless subsequent studies in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. His work has helped to elucidate the complex mechanisms by which proteins achieve their functional configurations, a critical aspect of understanding biological processes at the molecular level.

See Also

• Protein structure
• Nobel Prize in Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Molecular biology

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Derek Harold Richard Barton (September 8, 1918 – March 16, 1998) was a British organic chemist and Nobel Laureate, recognized for his contributions to the development of the concept of conformation and its application in chemistry. Barton shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1969 with Odd Hassel for their contributions to the development of the concept of conformation and its application in the study of the structure of organic molecules.

Biography

Derek H. R. Barton was born in Gravesend, Kent, England. He received his B.Sc. from Imperial College London in 1938 and his Ph.D. in organic chemistry in 1942. Barton held academic positions at the University of London, Birkbeck College, and Imperial College London. He also worked in the United States and France, contributing significantly to the international field of chemistry.

Scientific Contributions

Barton's research focused on the application of conformational analysis to the chemistry of natural products. His work on the geometry of steroid molecules demonstrated the importance of the three-dimensional shape of molecules in determining their chemical reactivity and biological activity. This work was instrumental in the development of new synthetic pathways for complex organic molecules and had a profound impact on the field of organic chemistry.

Awards and Honors

Barton received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the Copley Medal, and the Royal Medal. He was knighted in 1972 for his services to science and was a member of various prestigious scientific societies around the world.

Legacy

Derek Barton's legacy in the field of chemistry is marked by his pioneering work in conformational analysis, which has become a fundamental concept in organic chemistry. His research has paved the way for advances in the synthesis of complex organic molecules and the development of new drugs.

See Also

• Conformational analysis
• Nobel Prize in Chemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Stereochemistry

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