André Michel Lwoff

André Michel Lwoff (8 May 1902 – 30 September 1994) was a French microbiologist and Nobel laureate. His pioneering research in microbiology contributed significantly to the understanding of lysogeny, bacterial genetics, and the biology of viruses. Lwoff's work laid the foundation for modern virology and had profound implications for the treatment of viral diseases.

Early Life and Education

André Michel Lwoff was born in Ainay-le-Château, Allier, France. He developed an interest in the natural sciences at an early age, influenced by his father, a psychiatrist with a passion for biology. Lwoff pursued his higher education at the University of Paris, where he earned his Doctor of Science degree in 1927. His early research focused on the developmental biology of protozoa, particularly the nutrition and growth requirements of these organisms.

Career and Research

In 1928, Lwoff joined the Institut Pasteur in Paris, where he would spend the majority of his professional career. His initial work at the institute involved the study of protozoan nutrition and metabolism. However, his research interests soon shifted towards the genetics and physiology of bacteria and viruses.

One of Lwoff's most significant contributions to microbiology was his research on lysogeny, the phenomenon by which a bacteriophage (a virus that infects bacteria) integrates its genome into the bacterial chromosome, remaining latent until it is induced to enter the lytic cycle, where it replicates and causes cell lysis. Lwoff, along with his colleagues François Jacob and Jacques Monod, discovered that the induction of the lytic cycle could be triggered by external factors such as ultraviolet light. This work was crucial in understanding how viruses can control the genetics of their host cells.

Lwoff's research also extended to the study of poliovirus and the development of a tissue culture method for growing the virus, which was a significant step forward in the development of polio vaccines.

Nobel Prize

In 1965, André Lwoff, together with François Jacob and Jacques Monod, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine "for their discoveries concerning genetic control of enzyme and virus synthesis." This award recognized their collective contributions to the field of molecular biology, particularly their work on the regulation of gene expression.

Later Years and Legacy

After receiving the Nobel Prize, Lwoff continued his research at the Institut Pasteur. He also became deeply involved in scientific administration and international scientific cooperation, serving on various committees and advisory boards.

Lwoff's legacy in microbiology and virology is profound. His work not only advanced the understanding of viral genetics and bacterial physiology but also paved the way for the development of genetic engineering and biotechnology. He is remembered as a pioneer who bridged the gap between classical microbiology and the emerging field of molecular biology.

Selected Publications

• Lwoff, A. (1953). Lysogeny. Bacteriological Reviews, 17(4), 269–337.
• Lwoff, A., & Gutmann, A. (1950). Recherches sur la croissance des cultures de Amoeba proteus. Annales de l'Institut Pasteur, 79, 390-410.

See Also

• Bacteriophage
• Genetic regulation
• Molecular biology
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

External Links

• Nobel Prize Biography of André Lwoff

André Michel Lwoff Resources
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