Aaron Klug (11 August 1926 – 20 November 2018) was a British biophysicist and chemist. Aaron Klug was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1982.
Life and Career
Aaron Klug was born on 11 August 1926, in Lithuania.
Klug’s thirst for knowledge led him to pursue further studies in England. He earned his Ph.D. in crystallography from the University of Cambridge in 1953. This marked the beginning of his groundbreaking work in the field of structural biology.
Klug’s contributions to science were immense. He developed innovative techniques such as electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography to investigate the structures of biological molecules. One of his most significant achievements was the development of the “Rossmann-Klug” theory, which explained the structural principles governing the interactions between proteins and nucleic acids.
His work culminated in his pioneering studies of viruses, such as the tobacco mosaic virus and the first 3D structure of a transfer RNA molecule. Klug’s research played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of complex biological structures and their functions.
Aaron Klug passed away on 20 November 2018, in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Award and Legacy
Aaron Klug was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1982. He was honored for his development of crystallographic electron microscopy and his contributions to understanding the structures of complex biological molecules.
Aaron Klug’s legacy is imprinted in the field of structural biology. His groundbreaking methods and insights paved the way for countless researchers to explore the intricate structures of molecules fundamental to life. His dedication to science, along with his ability to bridge physics, chemistry, and biology, has inspired generations of scientists to push the boundaries of knowledge.
