Marshall Warren Nirenberg

Marshall Warren Nirenberg (April 10, 1927 – January 15, 2010) was an American biochemist and geneticist. He is best known for his role in cracking the genetic code and demonstrating how it determines the synthesis of proteins in the cell. Nirenberg's groundbreaking work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1968, which he shared with Har Gobind Khorana and Robert W. Holley for their research on the interpretation of the genetic code and its function in protein synthesis.

Early Life and Education

Marshall W. Nirenberg was born in New York City but grew up in Orlando, Florida. He developed an early interest in biology and pursued his passion by attending the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology in 1948 and a Master of Science degree in Zoology in 1952. Nirenberg continued his studies at the University of Michigan, where he received a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry in 1957.

Career and Research

After completing his Ph.D., Nirenberg joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, where he began his research into the genetic code. His most notable achievement came in 1961 when he and his postdoctoral fellow, J. Heinrich Matthaei, successfully deciphered the first "word" of the genetic code, showing that the sequence UUU (uracil, uracil, uracil) in RNA codes for the amino acid phenylalanine. This was the first time a specific nucleotide sequence had been linked to an amino acid, marking a significant breakthrough in molecular biology.

Nirenberg's subsequent work involved deciphering the rest of the genetic code, revealing how sequences of three nucleotides (called codons) specify the 20 different amino acids that make up proteins. This work was crucial in understanding how genetic information is translated into the functional molecules within living organisms.

Legacy

Marshall W. Nirenberg's contributions to science have had a profound impact on the field of genetics and molecular biology. His work on the genetic code not only advanced our understanding of genetic information and protein synthesis but also laid the foundation for modern genetic research, including the development of recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering.

Nirenberg's achievements were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Nobel Prize, the National Medal of Science, and election to the National Academy of Sciences.

Death

Marshall W. Nirenberg passed away on January 15, 2010, at the age of 82. His legacy continues to influence the fields of biochemistry and genetics, inspiring new generations of scientists to explore the complexities of life at the molecular level.

See Also

• Genetic code
• Protein synthesis
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Biochemistry
• Genetics