Christian de Duve
Christian de Duve (pronounced: kris-tee-ahn de doov) was a Belgian cytologist and biochemist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1974. He shared the prize with Albert Claude and George E. Palade for their contributions to understanding the structural and functional organization of the cell.
Etymology
The name "Christian" is of Latin origin, derived from the word "Christianus" meaning "follower of Christ". The surname "de Duve" is of French origin, meaning "of Duve". The exact origins of the surname "Duve" are not known.
Biography
Christian de Duve was born on October 2, 1917, in Thames Ditton, England, but his family moved to Belgium when he was young. He studied at the Catholic University of Leuven and later at the University of Louvain, where he received his doctorate in medicine in 1941.
During his career, de Duve made significant contributions to the field of cell biology. He is best known for his discovery of two major cellular organelles, the lysosome and peroxisome. These discoveries have had a profound impact on our understanding of cell function and disease.
Related Terms
- Cytology: The study of cells in terms of structure, function and chemistry.
- Biochemistry: The study of chemical substances and vital processes occurring in living organisms.
- Nobel Prize: An international recognition awarded annually in several categories including Physiology or Medicine.
- Lysosome: A membrane-bound cell organelle that contains digestive enzymes.
- Peroxisome: A cell organelle involved in metabolism of fatty acids and other metabolites.
See Also
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