Martha L. Ludwig

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Martha Ludwig

Martha L. Ludwig (August 16, 1931 – November 27, 2006) was an American biochemist renowned for her contributions to the field of crystallography and enzyme structure. She was a professor at the University of Michigan and a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Martha L. Ludwig was born on August 16, 1931, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She earned her B.S. degree in chemistry from Cornell University in 1952. She then pursued her Ph.D. in biochemistry at University of California, Berkeley, which she completed in 1956.

Career[edit | edit source]

After completing her Ph.D., Ludwig joined the faculty at the University of Michigan in 1967. She became a full professor in 1976 and was later named the J. Lawrence Oncley Distinguished University Professor of Biological Chemistry. Her research primarily focused on the structural analysis of proteins and enzymes using X-ray crystallography.

Research Contributions[edit | edit source]

Ludwig made significant contributions to the understanding of flavoproteins and oxidoreductases. Her work on the structure of flavodoxin and dihydrofolate reductase provided critical insights into their mechanisms of action. She was also involved in the study of superoxide dismutase, an enzyme crucial for protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Awards and Honors[edit | edit source]

Throughout her career, Ludwig received numerous awards and honors, including:

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Martha L. Ludwig was married to biochemist Rowena G. Matthews, with whom she frequently collaborated on research projects. She passed away on November 27, 2006, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Ludwig's pioneering work in crystallography and enzyme structure has had a lasting impact on the field of biochemistry. Her research continues to influence studies on protein structure and function.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]


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