13 August: Remembering Frederick Sanger on Birthday

OV Digital Desk

Frederick Sanger (13 August 1918 – 19 November 2013) was an English biochemist. Frederick Sanger was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Life and Career

Frederick Sanger was born on 13 August 1918, in Rendcomb, United Kingdom.

He grew up with a strong interest in science and attended Bryanston School. Later, he studied chemistry at St. John’s College, Cambridge. His academic prowess became evident as he excelled in his studies.

Sanger’s educational journey was marked by his dedication to research and learning. He pursued a Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of Cambridge, where he developed a keen interest in protein and nucleic acid chemistry.

Sanger’s groundbreaking work in the field of genetics and molecular biology is highly celebrated. He is most renowned for his development of two crucial sequencing techniques: the Sanger sequencing method (1957) and the DNA sequencing method (1977). These revolutionary techniques laid the foundation for deciphering the genetic code and contributed significantly to advancements in genetics, genomics, and medical research.

Frederick Sanger passed away on 19 November 2013, in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Award and Legacy

Frederick Sanger was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry twice – in 1958 for his work on insulin structure and in 1980 for his DNA sequencing method.

Sanger’s legacy is enduring and far-reaching. His sequencing methods revolutionized genetics, enabling scientists to unravel the genetic makeup of various organisms, including humans. This breakthrough has catalyzed advances in medicine, biotechnology, and evolutionary biology. Sanger’s commitment to the open sharing of scientific knowledge has also had a lasting influence on research culture.