Frederick Sanger, was a British biochemist, born in Rendcombe, England, on August 13, 1918. His contributions to science and the world of biochemistry were groundbreaking and revolutionary, and set the foundation for modern biology. Because of this he was given many prestigious awards, including two nobel prizes (one of only four to achieve such a milestone). But before doing all this, he was just the son of a medical practitioner, Frederick Sanger Sr., M.D., and Cicely Sanger. His family was relatively wealthy and practiced a Quaker faith, which made him a peaceful, imaginative, modest man. He expressed his peaceful nature throughout his life, by strongly objecting World War II, and having a peaceful personality in general. Being born to a …show more content…
medical practitioner, it was expected that he too, would enter into the field of medicine. However, Sanger ultimately decided not pursue a medical profession. As Sanger grew up, he developed a deep interest in science, especially the natural sciences. When he attended St. John’s College at Cambridge University, he finally made the decision not to pursue a medical career, but a career in science, thus beginning his scientific profession. At St. John’s College, Sanger eventually earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in natural sciences in 1939, then continued with Dr. Albert Neuberger to earn his Ph.D, on amino acid metabolism.(Brownlee 1-78; Millar 204; Daintith et al. 301; “Frederick Sanger - Biographical” 1). Frederick Sanger’s work was the basis for modern biochemistry, and the foundation of our current knowledge of genetics.
His two major breakthroughs paved the way for the world of science to come. His first breakthrough was protein sequencing. Before Sanger’s experiments, it was known that proteins had different physical properties, biological functions, and amino acid compositions, and most of it controlled by genes. However, it was widely questioned how large molecules, such as proteins could be created, and many believed that proteins were formed randomly. That was the common belief, which was taken seriously until Sanger forever changed this belief. Through his experiments Sanger proved that proteins were made up of a sequence of amino acids. To do this, he developed various methods of sequencing proteins, but the method that was successful, was the one using what is a chemical, now called “Sanger’s Reagent.” In this case, Sanger used this chemical, and Bovine Insulin, to sequence the first protein, a discovery for which diabetics are forever grateful. His discovery was groundbreaking and founded the modern study of enzymology, and ultimately earned him the nobel prize in 1958. However, Sanger did not stop here, later in 1962, he joined the Medical Research Council’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC-LMB). Although he was the head of protein chemistry, he joined the MRC-LMB, shifting his focus from protein chemistry to nucleic acids and began developing new methods of sequencing RNA. Later, these methods translated into DNA, where he and his team used various methods to approach DNA sequencing. The first method they used was called the “plus and minus” method, followed by a new method developed by Sanger and his team. This new method was the process of using chain-terminating inhibitors of DNA polymerase, called dideoxynucleotides, to sequence DNA. Ultimately, this newly developed process was called “Sanger sequencing.” Using this method, Sanger and his team
were able to successfully sequence the DNA of bacteriophage, phiX174, and became the first ones to fully sequence a DNA-based genome. His new method of DNA sequencing, and sequencing the first DNA-based genome, earned him his second nobel prize in chemistry in 1980, which was shared with two other biochemists, Paul Berg and Walter Gilbert, and made him one of only four, who have earned two nobel prizes. And the experiments that earned him these two nobel prizes were all deliberate. He intended to find the results he hypothesized in all his experiments (Roe 1). Most of Sanger’s work was widely done by his intuition. He was extremely bright, and thought of experiments by himself, which turned out to be successful. The only work that Sanger worked off of was the general knowledge of amino acids and proteins, and his work with his mentor, in his first experiment. Then, in his second experiment he built off of the knowledge of chemicals in DNA and his work in sequencing RNA. Although he did not build off of others’ work much, the people that built off his work was the exact opposite. His work was widely used for many years to come. For example, his method of “Sanger sequencing” was the method of choice for sequencing DNA for nearly 40 years, and his experiments were the foundation of modern biology, enzymology, biochemistry, genetics, and many more scientific studies. Scientific projects such as the Human Genome Project, would not have succeeded in fully sequencing the first human genome, or even start without the works of Frederick Sanger. However, not only did the world of science build off of the Sanger’s work, but the world of medicine, and genetic diseases. An article by open.edu, on the legacy and impact of Frederick Sanger, states “Many of the disease treatments currently being developed for diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and cystic fibrosis would not be possible without understanding the structure of the genes and proteins involved” (“The Legacy and Impact of Frederick Sanger” 1). The people that have genetic disorders, such as diabetics, hemophiliacs, etc., and the scientists and doctors who are trying to cure these diseases, all have benefited and built upon the work of Frederick Sanger. Over the years, we have built upon Sanger’s work making new, more efficient methods of sequencing DNA, and making his founding work more complex to solve more complex problems that we do not know yet. We have not simplified his methods but have created new ones, based on his work, and have evolved his work as well. His work has been the foundation of many things and has already had many effects on our modern world. However, I believe that we have already seen all the effects of his work, and I don’t think that it could have any more future effects. But one thing is for sure, Frederick Sanger’s work was groundbreaking and revolutionary for our modern world, and the world to come.
Dorothy Wardell’s article titled “Margaret Sanger: Birth Control’s Successful Revolutionary” explains what inspired Sanger ideas on contraception and what problems she faced while working to change the notions and laws on Birth Control. The central argument presented by Wardell is that Sanger’s efforts led to privileges for women’s bodies and health centers providing methods for women to act on these privileges (Wardell, 736). Although Wardell is effective in supporting her argument, it would be stronger if she included some historical context and evidence of Sanger’s opinion in her own words found in a speech of hers and in Family Limitation.
Margaret Sanger was the founder of The American League of Birth Control which later became Planned Parenthood and her argument in those times was that it was not fair for women who were from a lower class could not have access to Birth Control.
Achievements Due to his bravery in the battle of Cambrai, Frederick Banting was awarded the Military Cross in 1919. Frederick Banting received the Reeve Prize from the University of Toronto in 1922. Frederick Banting’s greatest achievement was the discovery of insulin. Frederick Banting and John James Rickard Macleod were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine in 1923. Frederick Banting shared half of his prize money with Charles Best.
Many things have impacted both the Science and Medical fields of study. Electrophoresis and DNA Sequencing are two of these things. Together they have simultaneously impacted both of these fields. On one hand, there is Electrophoresis. Electrophoresis is a specific method of separating molecules by their size through the application of an electric field. It causes molecules to migrate at a rate and distance dependent on their size. On the other hand, there is DNA Sequencing. DNA Sequencing is a technique used to determine the exact sequence of bases
These discoveries about the structure of DNA allowed scientists to explore the genome and develop a stronger understanding of genes. Within a decade of its discovery, other scientists had identified the genes responsible for specific diseases and traits. The discovery of the structure of DNA created a basis for ...
Winston Churchill was born unexpectedly at Blenheim Palace, a country house in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. He was the youngest son of Randolph Churchill and Jennie Churchill. Addison stated, “Winston’s father, Lord Randolph Churchill, was a younger son of the seventh duke of Marlborough, a substantial Tory statesman who had held office under Disraeli” (Addison 8). His father was a successful man. Addison added, “His mother, Jennie Churchill, was the daughter of a New York financier, Leonard Jerome, and his wife Clara” (Addison 7). He did not spend much time with his parents. Addison comments, “Neither of Churchill’s parents lacked affection for Winston, but they saw little of him and he felt profoundly neglected” (Addison 11). His parents were pushy and did not think much of him. Winston Churchill had two brothers, one of which was a bad person and the other was calm. The author describes the oldest brother, George, by stating, “He scandalized contemporaries with his adulterous affairs, sold off the Blenheim art collection, and died in his laboratory at Blenheim ‘with a terrible expression on his face” (Addison 9). Winston Churchill’s oldest brother had a bad history that he was known for. Winston Churchill had a wife name Clementine Hozier. He proposed to his wife at Blenheim Palace and they had five children. Clementine Hozier supported him through all of his fights and elections. However, Winston Churchill was a big achiever during his lifetime. He won the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature in 1953. He achieved many goals, such as being a soldier, politician, prime minister and writer. Winston Churchill knew that he was capable of failing and when he did, he did not let that stop him from being successful. He was one of the world’s ...
Approximately 30.3 million Americans are currently living with diabetes. Most of these individuals rely on insulin to moderate their health. Before insulin, there was not a proper way to manage diabetes and the disease was often deadly. Frederick Sanger helped develop the insulin that we know today, which earned him two Nobel Prizes in the field of chemistry.
A pioneer in the field of biochemistry, Ada E. Yonath helped make many discoveries and lead several experiments to learn about ribosomes and related structures. She went to colleges and universities for several years, and was at the forefront of groundbreaking research. However, her early childhood life was not as easy as one would expect, given her success.
"The discovery of the structure by Crick and Watson, with all its biological implications, has been one of the major scientific events of this century." (Bragg, The Double Helix, p1) In the story of The Double Helix, James Watson tells of the road that led to the discovery of life's basic building block-DNA. This autobiography gives insight into science and the workings within a professional research laboratory that few members of society will ever be able to experience. It also gives the reader an idea of the reality of life for one scientist and how he struggled with the problem of DNA. However, the author's style is marked by his lack of objectivity and inclusion of many biased opinions and personal prejudices.
A master and maker in many fields, Linus Pauling lived a very long and productive life spanning nearly the entire twentieth century. By the time he was in his twenties, he had made a name for himself as a scientist. After many significant contributions including his work on the nature of the chemical bond, he turned to chemical biology and is generally accepted as the founder of molecular biology. Later in his life he became very involved in issues of politics and peace for which he is somewhat less well known. In his later years, he became interested in health and medicine and specifically in the use of vitamin C to prevent ailments from the common cold to cancer.
Henry Cavendish was born October 10, 1731 in Nice, France. His mother, Lady Anne Grey was the daughter of the first Duke of Kent while his father Lord Charles Cavendish, was second Duke of Devonshire. His ancestry links back to many of the aristocratic families in Great Britain. The chemist/physicist is most accredited for the discovery of hydrogen, the “inflammable air” and measuring the Earth’s density, but he also researched and discovered many other important scientific revolutions.
Discoveries in DNA, cell biology, evolution, and biotechnology have been among the major achievements in biology over the past 200 years with accelerated discoveries and insight’s over the last 50 years. Consider the progress we have made in these areas of human knowledge. Present at least three of the discoveries you find to be the most important and describe their significance to society, heath, and the culture of modern life.
Friedrich Nietzsche was a very smart, intellegent man. He was born October 15, 1844, near a small town in the Prussian province of Saxony. His father, Karl Ludwig was a Lutheran Minister and died when Nietzsche was age five, leaving his wife, Franziska and his three children. Friedrich, the oldest child, Elisabeth, and a newborn baby boy who will also died not to long after birth. Nietzsche completed his secondary education at the boarding school of Pforta, he was a very excellent student. After, Nietzsche, he entered the University on Bonn, studying therology and classical philology. One year later, he stop taking therology and transferred to the University of Leipzig to get a doctorate in philology. At the age of 24, Nietzsche was offered a job at the University of Basel, one of the youngest men to ever be offered a job like this. When he was 28, The Birth of Tradgedy was published, his first book. Some of his most popular books are; Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Beyond Good and Evil, On the Genealogy of Morals/Ecce Homo, The Anti-Christ, The Gay Science: with a Prelude in Rhymes and an Appendix of Songs, and so many more.
The Double Helix tells a tale of fierce competition, perseverance, and scientific innovation as we follow James Watson and his cohort Francis Crick on their quest to discover the secret to life, the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid. Although already fascinated with DNA, Watson struggled with finding chemistry exciting enough to learn it in depth. He had studied birds in college and thereby managed to avoid any formal chemistry or physics courses. As he later pursued a PhD in biochemistry, he realized he could put it off no longer and attempted to learn organic chemistry at Indiana University. However, after a mishap in the lab, he was encouraged instead to study nucleic acid chemistry with Herman Kalckar in Copenhagen. There, his mind strayed from his work and he began doing unauthorized research in the lab of Ole Maaløe, studying phages. Herman stopped teaching Watson after going through a divorce with his wife, and sent Watson off to a scientific conference in Naples. Although he was bored by many of the lectures, Maurice Wilkins’s talk about X-ray diffraction fascinated Watson. He was struck by an X-ray diffraction picture of DNA that Maurice presented and was determined to study the acid. He later got to know more about Maurice’s colleague, Rosalind Franklin, who was proud, stubborn, and very difficult to work with. Watson greatly admired the lecture given by the renowned Linus Pauling, who had discovered the structure of the alpha-helix and was thought of as the leader in DNA research in the scientific world.
Franz Anton Mesmer was born on May 23, 1734 in the village of Iznang, Switzerland. He was the third of nine children born of his Catholic parents, his mother Maia Ursela neé Michel and his father Anton Mesmer (Lowther). After doing basic studies at a religious school in Konstanz, Germany, Mesmer studied and received his doctorate philosophy at Jesuit University of Dilligen. In 1752, he later changed his major to theology and studied at the University of Ingostadt and received his doctorate, but would later change his majo...