Severo Ochoa
- Born:
- September 24, 1905, Luarca, Spain
- Died:
- November 1, 1993, Madrid, Spain
- Nationality:
- Spanish, American (naturalized)
- Profession(s):
- Biochemist, Physician
Early Life and Education
- Initially studied medicine at the University of Madrid, earning his M.D. in 1929.
- Developed an interest in biochemistry, leading him to pursue research in the field.
- Conducted postgraduate work at the University of Berlin and the University of Heidelberg.
Career and Major Achievements
- Held research positions at various institutions, including the University of Oxford and Washington University in St. Louis.
- Joined the faculty of New York University School of Medicine in 1954, where he established a renowned biochemistry department.
- Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1959, shared with Arthur Kornberg, for their discovery of the mechanisms in the biological synthesis of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
- His research focused on enzyme systems and energy transfer, contributing significantly to the understanding of cellular metabolism.
- Discovered polynucleotide phosphorylase, an enzyme that could synthesize RNA.
Notable Works
- Significant research on the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle).
- Research on biological CO2 fixation.
- Contributions to understanding oxidative phosphorylation.
Legacy and Impact
Severo Ochoa's research profoundly impacted the field of molecular biology, particularly regarding the synthesis of RNA and DNA. His work laid the foundation for advancements in genetic engineering and the understanding of heredity. The compilation of severo ochoa biography resumen ejecutivo information highlights his significant contributions to the scientific community.