Arthur Kornberg

Arthur Kornberg was born on March 3, 1918, in Brooklyn, New York, United States. He was the son of Jewish emigrant parents who had immigrated to the United States from the Polish part of the Russian Empire, now Poland. His early years were marked by a strong interest in science, something that would pave the way for his remarkably successful career in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Arthur Kornberg graduated from the University of Rochester Medical School in 1941 with a degree in medicine. Despite initially practicing as a physician, Kornberg quickly pivoted towards research. His early work involved studying nutrition, metabolism, and the chemistry of cellular processes, which set the stage for his later groundbreaking discoveries in DNA synthesis.

In 1951, while working at the National Institutes of Health, Arthur Kornberg was instrumental in the discovery of coenzyme A, an important molecule in cellular metabolism. This work played a critical role in understanding how coenzymes participate in the biochemical transformations essential for life. Coenzyme A is crucial for the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids, among other functions.

Arthur Kornberg was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1959, which he shared with Severo Ochoa, for their discovery of the mechanisms in the biological synthesis of ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid. Kornberg's work on DNA polymerase laid the foundation for understanding DNA replication, a critical process in molecular biology and genetics.

In 1960, Arthur Kornberg published "Enzymatic Synthesis of DNA," a comprehensive account of his groundbreaking research on DNA polymerase I. This publication was influential in the field of molecular biology and provided critical insights into the mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription, and repair, broadening the scientific understanding of fundamental life processes.

In 1991, Arthur Kornberg published his memoir, "For the Love of Enzymes: The Odyssey of a Biochemist." The book is an intimate reflection on his scientific journey and personal life, providing insights into his pioneering work in biochemistry. It captures his passion for science, the thrill of discovery, and his reflections on the scientific community and its evolution during his career.

In 2001, Arthur Kornberg was awarded the United States National Medal of Science, one of the highest honors bestowed by the United States government on scientists, engineers, and inventors. This medal recognized Kornberg's lifelong contributions to the field of biochemistry, particularly his discoveries related to the synthesis of DNA and his impact on molecular biology.

Arthur Kornberg passed away on October 26, 2007, in Stanford, California, at the age of 89. His death marked the end of a pioneering era in biochemistry, but his legacy lives on through his extensive contributions to our understanding of nucleic acids, DNA synthesis, and his mentorship of many scientists who continue to advance the field.