Karl Folkers
Karl August Folkers
Karl Folkers, American Biochemist
| Born | September 1, 1906 |
|---|---|
| Birth place | Decatur, Illinois, USA |
| Died | December 9, 1997 |
| Place of death | Austin, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Discovery of Vitamin B12, Coenzyme Q10 |
| Awards | Perkin Medal, Priestley Medal |
Karl August Folkers (September 1, 1906 – December 9, 1997) was a pioneering American biochemist renowned for his work in the discovery and synthesis of Vitamin B12 and Coenzyme Q10. His contributions to the field of biochemistry have had a profound impact on nutritional science and medicine.
Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]
Karl Folkers was born in Decatur, Illinois. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he developed a keen interest in chemistry. He later obtained his Ph.D. in chemistry from Harvard University in 1931, where he studied under the guidance of eminent chemists.
Career and Research[edit | edit source]
Folkers began his career at the Merck & Co. research laboratories, where he made significant contributions to the field of vitamin research. His work led to the isolation and structural elucidation of Vitamin B12, a crucial vitamin for human health, particularly in the prevention of pernicious anemia.
In addition to his work on vitamins, Folkers was instrumental in the discovery of Coenzyme Q10, a vital component in the electron transport chain and cellular energy production. His research demonstrated the potential therapeutic benefits of Coenzyme Q10 in treating heart disease and other conditions.
Awards and Honors[edit | edit source]
Throughout his career, Folkers received numerous accolades for his groundbreaking work. He was awarded the Perkin Medal in 1960 and the Priestley Medal in 1986, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field of chemistry.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Karl Folkers' work laid the foundation for modern nutritional science and therapeutic applications of vitamins and coenzymes. His research continues to influence the development of dietary supplements and treatments for various diseases.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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