Fritz Albert Lipmann (12 June 1899 – 24 July 1986) was a German American biochemist. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Early Life and Education
Fritz Albert Lipmann, a notable figure in biochemistry, was born on June 12, 1899, in Königsberg, Germany (now Kaliningrad, Russia). He was born into a Jewish family; his father, Leopold Lipmann, was an attorney, and his mother was Gertrud (Lachmanski) Lipmann. His early education was marked by a diverse academic journey, studying medicine at the University of Königsberg, and later at the universities of Berlin and Munich. He completed his medical degree in Berlin in 1924. Following his passion for chemistry, he returned to Königsberg to study under Professor Hans Meerwein. His educational pursuits led him to join Otto Meyerhof at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Biology in Dahlem, Berlin, for his doctoral thesis, which he completed in 1926. This early period of his life set the foundation for his future contributions to science, including the co-discovery of coenzyme A.
Career and Achievements
Fritz Albert Lipmann, was a biochemist whose work has had a lasting impact on the field. His most notable achievement was the discovery of coenzyme A, a fundamental molecule in the metabolism of cells, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1953. This accolade was shared with Hans Adolf Krebs for their individual contributions to the understanding of intermediary metabolism. Lipmann’s career was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, which led him to study medicine at universities in Königsberg, Berlin, and Munich, and later chemistry under Professor Hans Meerwein. His doctoral thesis was completed at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Biology in Berlin, under the mentorship of Otto Meyerhof.
Lipmann’s journey took a significant turn when he moved to the United States in 1939, where he continued his research at institutions like Cornell University Medical College and Massachusetts General Hospital. His tenure at Harvard Medical School as a professor of biological chemistry between 1949 and 1957 solidified his reputation as a leading scientist in his field. Later, at The Rockefeller University, he continued to explore the intricacies of biochemistry. Beyond the Nobel Prize, Lipmann’s contributions were recognized with the National Medal of Science in 1966 for his original discoveries concerning energy transfer and transformation in cells, which formed the conceptual structure of modern biochemistry. An elected member of prestigious societies such as the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society, Lipmann also introduced the squiggle (~) to denote high-energy phosphate bonds in biomolecules like ATP, further cementing his legacy as a visionary in biochemistry. Fritz Albert Lipmann passed away on July 24, 1986, leaving behind a rich legacy of scientific discovery and innovation.
Notable Events and Milestones
Fritz Albert Lipmann, a distinguished biochemist, received several prestigious awards and honors throughout his career. His most notable achievement was receiving the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1953, which he shared with Hans Adolf Krebs for their discoveries concerning the mechanism and regulation of the body’s energy conversion processes. Lipmann’s groundbreaking work on coenzyme A and its significance in intermediary metabolism was a cornerstone in biochemistry. In addition to the Nobel Prize, Lipmann was honored with the National Medal of Science in 1966, recognizing his original discoveries of molecular mechanisms for the transfer and transformation of energy in living cells, as well as his fundamental contributions to the conceptual structure of modern biochemistry. His scientific excellence was further acknowledged through his election to esteemed societies such as the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the United States National Academy of Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society. These accolades underscore Lipmann’s influential role in advancing the field of biochemistry and his lasting impact on the scientific community.
Awards and Honors
- Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1953): Awarded for his discovery of co-enzyme A and its importance for intermediary metabolism.
- National Medal of Science (1966): Recognized for original discoveries of molecular mechanisms for the transfer and transformation of energy in living cells, and for fundamental contributions to the conceptual structure of modern biochemistry.
- Nominated on multiple occasions for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and Physiology or Medicine between 1948 and 1953.
- Member of prestigious societies such as the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the United States National Academy of Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society.
- Introduced the specific squiggle designation (~) to indicate high energy-rich phosphate in energy-rich biomolecules like ATP.
Additional Resources
Books:
- “Wanderings of a Biochemist” by Fritz Albert Lipmann himself, which is an autobiography detailing his scientific journey.
- “Energy Transformation in Biological Systems” co-authored by Fritz Albert Lipmann and Hans Kornberg, which discusses the biochemical processes and energy transformations in living matter.
- “Reminiscences and Reflections,” co-authored with Anne Martin, offers a more personal look into Lipmann’s thoughts and experiences.
Documentaries:
- The Lindau Mediatheque features various recordings and lectures by Fritz Albert Lipmann, providing insight into his research and contributions to biochemistry.
- NobelPrize.org hosts Lipmann’s Nobel Lecture, which he delivered on December 11, 1953, titled “Development of the Acetylation Problem: A Personal Account,” offering a glimpse into his groundbreaking work.
Museums:
While specific museums dedicated to Fritz Albert Lipmann are not listed, his work is recognized in scientific institutions and his contributions are often part of exhibits on the history of biochemistry and medicine.
The Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm, Sweden, features exhibits on all Nobel Laureates, including Fritz Albert Lipmann, showcasing their discoveries and impacts on science and humanity.
Online Resources:
- The National Academy of Sciences provides a detailed biographical memoir of Fritz Albert Lipmann, which includes both his scientific achievements and personal life.
- Wikipedia offers a comprehensive overview of Lipmann’s life, including his early education, career milestones, and key discoveries.
These resources provide a multifaceted view of Fritz Albert Lipmann’s life and work, from his own writings to educational materials and lectures, allowing readers to delve deeper into the legacy of this Nobel Laureate.
