George Emil Palade

George Emil Palade (November 19, 1912 – October 7, 2008) was a Romanian-American cell biologist. He is considered one of the founding figures of modern cell biology, and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1974 for his innovations in electron microscopy and cell fractionation which laid the foundation for the understanding of cell structure and function. His work was pivotal in identifying the complex internal structures of cells, including the discovery of ribosomes, and he played a crucial role in elucidating the pathway of proteins through cells.

Early Life and Education

George Emil Palade was born in Iași, Romania. He initially studied medicine at the University of Bucharest and graduated in 1940. After receiving his M.D., Palade began his research career in the field of cell biology. In 1946, he moved to the United States to continue his research at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research (now Rockefeller University), where he would spend a significant portion of his career.

Career and Research

At the Rockefeller Institute, Palade used electron microscopy to explore the internal structure of cells, making several groundbreaking discoveries. His work on the endoplasmic reticulum, a cellular organelle, and the discovery of ribosomes were particularly significant. These findings were crucial for understanding how proteins are synthesized and transported within cells.

Palade also developed the technique of cell fractionation, which allows scientists to isolate and study various components of the cell in detail. This technique was instrumental in the identification of the mitochondria and chloroplasts as the sites of cellular respiration and photosynthesis, respectively.

In 1974, George Emil Palade was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine along with Albert Claude and Christian de Duve for their discoveries concerning the structural and functional organization of the cell. Palade's work was recognized for its profound impact on the field of cell biology.

Later Years and Legacy

After his tenure at the Rockefeller Institute, Palade served as a professor at Yale University School of Medicine and later at the University of California, San Diego. Throughout his career, Palade received numerous awards and honors in addition to the Nobel Prize, including the National Medal of Science in 1986.

George Emil Palade's legacy in cell biology is monumental. His pioneering techniques and discoveries have paved the way for countless advances in biology and medicine. His work has not only enhanced our understanding of cell structure and function but has also contributed to the development of treatments for various diseases.

Selected Publications

• Palade, G.E. (1955). "A small particulate component of the cytoplasm." Journal of Biophysical and Biochemical Cytology.
• Palade, G.E. (1975). "Intracellular aspects of the process of protein synthesis." Science.

See Also

• Cell biology
• Electron microscopy
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Ribosome
• Endoplasmic reticulum

External Links

• [Nobel Prize Biography of George Emil Palade](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1974/palade/facts/)