Frederick Sanger

Two-Time Nobel Laureate in Chemistry

verfasst von: Joe S. Jeffers

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buchreihe : SpringerBriefs in Molecular Science

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

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Über dieses Buch

In this Brief, Joe Jeffers uncovers the life and works of two-time Nobel Laureate Frederick Sanger. Following Sanger’s early life to retirement, Jeffers describes how this celebrated British biochemist became the first person to determine the amino acid sequence of a protein for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1958. Highlighting Sanger’s remarkable career, Jeffers describes Sanger’s later change in research direction to investigate deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA), work for which Sanger also received the Nobel Prize jointly with Paul Berg and Walter Gilbert in 1980. Joe Jeffers conducted twelve interviews with Sanger over the period of 1999-2009 and he has also spoken to more than 40 of Sanger’s colleagues and family members. This brief provides a rigorous yet concise view of Sanger on a personal and scientific level and is suitable for biochemists, historians or the interested layperson.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Introduction

Abstract

British biochemist Frederick Sanger (1918–2013) won two Nobel Prizes in Chemistry, the first, in 1958, “for his work on the structure of proteins, especially that of insulin” (Nobel Media AB in The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1958, 2014). The second, in 1980, he shared with Paul Berg and Walter Gilbert.

Joe S. Jeffers

Chapter 2. Early Life 1918–1943

Abstract

Fred Sanger was born on August 13, 1918, in Rendcomb, Gloucestershire, England, one year after his brother Theodore (Theo). They lived in The Old House down the hill from Rendcomb village (Fig. 2.1). The River Churn, little more than a large creek at this point, flowed by the house.

Joe S. Jeffers

Chapter 3. Protein Period 1943–1962

Abstract

As of 1943, Fred Sanger needed a job. He had his Ph.D., a wife, and a son. To this point, he had lived on family money. His Ph.D. supervisor, Albert Neuberger, left Cambridge for a position at the National Institute for Medical Research. A.C. Chibnall had just joined the Biochemistry department as chair, replacing the retiring Professor Hopkins.

Joe S. Jeffers

Chapter 4. Origins of the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Abstract

Austrian Max Perutz came to Cambridge in 1936 to study X-ray diffraction with John Bernal, one of the first to apply X-ray studies to proteins. In 1937, Max began his studies of hemoglobin. That same year Ernest Rutherford, Cavendish Chair of Physics, died following surgery, and Bernal left for London. Lawrence Bragg became Cavendish Chair in 1938.

Joe S. Jeffers

Chapter 5. RNA Period 1962–1971

Abstract

Fred was still working with active centers of enzymes and with proteins in general. He liked the visual methods of paper chromatography and paper electrophoresis, and he held a certain disdain for work on columns. Protein sequencing, however, had largely gone to column methods because they were more quantitative.

Joe S. Jeffers

Chapter 6. DNA Period 1969–1983

Abstract

DNA sequence was Fred’s ultimate goal. Up to this time, DNA sequencing seemed out of reach. No small DNAs were available to work out methods and there were no suitable enzymes for breaking DNA into more manageable fragments.

Joe S. Jeffers

Chapter 7. Life Outside the Lab

Abstract

Fred and Joan rented a flat on the first floor at 252 Hills Road in Cambridge (Fig. 7.1). The war was on, so rationing was in place and certain foods, especially meat, were scarce. Imports were not available. They grew some vegetables in the back garden. Joan was social and enjoyed chatting with people. She developed a special rapport with the butcher, so if meat was available, she could usually get it. They had a few chickens in the garden. Young chickens produced eggs; old chickens produced dinner [1].

Joe S. Jeffers

Chapter 8. The Man and His Legacy

Abstract

How does one paint a picture of Fred Sanger (Fig. 8.1)? After all, his life of techniques was devoted to the visual. He loved painting as a child and maintained that hobby until his twilight years. He shunned column chromatography, when possible, for paper and thin-layer techniques. Fred wanted to see the results. His polyacrylamide sequencing gels were visual masterpieces.

Joe S. Jeffers

Backmatter

Titel: Frederick Sanger
verfasst von: Joe S. Jeffers
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-54709-1
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-54707-7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-54709-1