Archibald Garrod

Archibald Garrod (1857–1936) was a British physician and biochemist who is best known for his pioneering work on inborn errors of metabolism. He was the first to suggest that genes dictate metabolism, and that genetic disorders could be explained by biochemical abnormalities.

Early Life and Education

Garrod was born in London in 1857. He was the son of Sir Alfred Baring Garrod, a physician who discovered that uric acid was the cause of gout. He studied medicine at Christ's College, Cambridge, and St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London.

Career

Garrod began his career as a physician at St. Bartholomew's Hospital. He later became a lecturer in medicine at the University of Oxford. His research focused on the study of biochemistry and genetics, and he is considered a pioneer in these fields.

Inborn Errors of Metabolism

Garrod's most significant contribution to medicine was his work on inborn errors of metabolism. He was the first to suggest that these disorders were caused by genetic abnormalities that affected the body's biochemical processes. His work laid the foundation for the modern understanding of genetic disorders and their treatment.

Legacy

Garrod's work has had a profound impact on the field of medicine. His research on inborn errors of metabolism has led to the development of new treatments for genetic disorders. He is also recognized for his contributions to the fields of biochemistry and genetics.

See Also

• Inborn errors of metabolism
• Genetic disorders
• Biochemistry
• Genetics