Alexander R. Todd

Alexander Todd Nobel

Alexander R. Todd
Born	October 2, 1907 Glasgow, Scotland
Died	January 10, 1997 Cambridge, England
Nationality	Scottish
Alma mater	University of Glasgow, University of Frankfurt, University of Oxford
Known for	Nucleotides and nucleosides research
Awards	Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1957)
Scientific career
Fields	Biochemistry
Institutions	University of Cambridge
Doctoral advisor	Robert Robinson

Alexander Robertus Todd, Baron Todd (October 2, 1907 – January 10, 1997) was a Scottish biochemist whose research on nucleotides and nucleosides earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1957.

Early Life and Education

Alexander R. Todd was born in Glasgow, Scotland. He attended the University of Glasgow, where he obtained his B.Sc. in 1928. He then pursued further studies at the University of Frankfurt and the University of Oxford, where he completed his Ph.D. under the supervision of Robert Robinson.

Career

Todd's early research focused on the structure and synthesis of vitamins and alkaloids. In 1944, he was appointed as a professor of organic chemistry at the University of Cambridge, a position he held until his retirement in 1971. During his tenure at Cambridge, Todd made significant contributions to the understanding of the structure and function of nucleotides and nucleosides, which are the building blocks of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA.

Research and Discoveries

Todd's most notable work involved the chemical synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which are essential molecules in cellular metabolism. His research provided critical insights into the mechanisms of biological energy transfer and the role of nucleotides in cellular processes.

Awards and Honors

In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Todd was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1957. He was also knighted in 1954 and later elevated to the peerage as Baron Todd of Trumpington in 1962. Todd received numerous other honors and awards throughout his career, including the Copley Medal and the Royal Medal.

Personal Life

Todd married Alison Sarah Dale in 1937, and they had three children. He was known for his modesty and dedication to science, often emphasizing the collaborative nature of scientific research.

Legacy

Alexander R. Todd's contributions to the field of biochemistry have had a lasting impact on our understanding of genetics and molecular biology. His work laid the foundation for many subsequent discoveries in the field of nucleic acid research.

See Also

• Nobel Prize in Chemistry
• Nucleotides
• Nucleosides
• University of Cambridge
• Robert Robinson (chemist)