Kaj Ulrik Linderstrøm-Lang

Kaj Ulrik Linderstrøm-Lang (1896–1959) was a pioneering Danish biochemist and enzyme researcher, best known for his contributions to understanding protein structure and enzyme kinetics. His work laid the foundation for modern biochemistry and molecular biology, influencing the development of techniques and concepts that are fundamental to these fields today.

Early Life and Education

Kaj Ulrik Linderstrøm-Lang was born on February 13, 1896, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He pursued his higher education at the University of Copenhagen, where he developed an interest in the chemical processes of living organisms. After completing his doctoral studies, Linderstrøm-Lang continued his research in biochemistry, focusing on the structure and function of proteins.

Career and Contributions

Linderstrøm-Lang's career was primarily associated with the Carlsberg Laboratory in Copenhagen, where he served as the director of its physiological chemistry department from 1938 until his death in 1959. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry, particularly in the study of enzymes and proteins.

One of Linderstrøm-Lang's most notable contributions was his work on enzyme kinetics and the development of the concept of enzyme specificity. He was among the first to propose that enzymes have specific active sites that bind to substrates in a lock-and-key manner, a theory that has become a cornerstone of biochemistry.

Additionally, Linderstrøm-Lang made significant advances in understanding protein structure. He developed methods for determining the amino acid sequence of proteins and introduced the concept of the peptide bond as a key structural element in proteins. His work on protein denaturation and renaturation was critical in demonstrating that the three-dimensional structure of proteins is essential for their biological function.

Legacy

Linderstrøm-Lang's research has had a lasting impact on the field of biochemistry. His innovative methods and concepts have paved the way for numerous discoveries in protein chemistry and enzymology. The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science at the University of Copenhagen is named in his honor, reflecting his enduring influence on the study of proteins and enzymes.

Selected Publications

Throughout his career, Linderstrøm-Lang published extensively on topics related to proteins and enzymes. Some of his most influential works include:

• Studies on Enzyme Action
• The Structure and Properties of Proteins
• Methods in Enzymology

Death and Honors

Kaj Ulrik Linderstrøm-Lang passed away on May 25, 1959. His contributions to biochemistry have been recognized through numerous awards and honors, both during his lifetime and posthumously. He remains a revered figure in the scientific community for his pioneering work in the field of biochemistry.

See Also

• Protein structure
• Enzyme kinetics
• Biochemistry
• Molecular biology