Arthur Kornberg

American biochemist

Arthur Kornberg (March 3, 1918 – October 26, 2007) was an American biochemist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1959 for his discovery of the mechanisms in the biological synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). He shared the award with Severo Ochoa of New York University.

Early life and education

Arthur Kornberg was born in Brooklyn, New York City, to Jewish parents who had emigrated from Austria. He attended Abraham Lincoln High School and went on to study at the City College of New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1937. He then attended the University of Rochester Medical School, receiving his M.D. in 1941.

Career and research

After completing his medical degree, Kornberg served as a commissioned officer in the United States Public Health Service from 1942 to 1945. During this time, he conducted research on jaundice and nutrition.

In 1946, Kornberg joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he began his groundbreaking work on enzymes involved in nucleic acid synthesis. His research led to the discovery of DNA polymerase, an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of DNA from deoxyribonucleotides. This discovery was pivotal in understanding the process of DNA replication.

Arthur Kornberg in his laboratory

In 1959, Kornberg was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on the enzymatic synthesis of DNA. His research laid the foundation for the field of molecular biology and had a profound impact on genetic engineering and biotechnology.

Later life and legacy

After receiving the Nobel Prize, Kornberg continued his research and teaching at Stanford University, where he served as a professor of biochemistry. He was known for his dedication to mentoring young scientists and his passion for research.

Kornberg's contributions to science were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Science in 1979. He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Kornberg passed away on October 26, 2007, in Stanford, California. His legacy continues through the many scientists he mentored and the ongoing impact of his discoveries in the field of molecular biology.

Related pages

• DNA replication
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Molecular biology
• Stanford University