Michael Smith (chemist)

Michael Smith party at Mary Vickers's house.1994, F-109-7-0-0-10 001

F-109-7-0-0-10 002A

Michael Smith (April 26, 1932 – October 4, 2000) was a British-born Canadian biochemist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1993, sharing it with Kary Mullis for their work in the development of site-directed mutagenesis. This technique allows for the specific alteration of the DNA sequence in a gene, enabling scientists to study the structure and function of genes in a precise and controlled manner. Smith's contribution to the field of molecular biology has had a profound impact on genetic engineering, biotechnology, and the broader understanding of genetic diseases.

Early Life and Education

Michael Smith was born in Blackpool, Lancashire, England. He pursued his education in chemistry at the University of Manchester, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1956. Following his undergraduate studies, Smith moved to Canada for his doctoral work. He earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 1966, focusing on the enzymes involved in steroid metabolism.

Career and Research

After completing his Ph.D., Smith joined the Biotechnology Laboratory at the University of British Columbia, where he would spend the majority of his career. His early work involved studying the mechanisms of enzyme action and protein synthesis. However, his research focus shifted to the field of genetic engineering in the 1970s, leading to his groundbreaking work on site-directed mutagenesis.

Site-directed mutagenesis, developed in collaboration with his colleagues, allowed for the precise editing of the DNA sequence within a gene. This method involves the use of synthetic oligonucleotides (short DNA fragments) as primers to introduce mutations at specific sites in a DNA molecule. The technique has become a fundamental tool in molecular biology, enabling researchers to understand how changes in the DNA sequence affect the function of genes and proteins.

Nobel Prize

In 1993, Michael Smith was co-awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Kary Mullis, who was recognized for his invention of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), another revolutionary technique in molecular biology. Smith's half of the prize was specifically for his contributions to the development of site-directed mutagenesis. In his Nobel Lecture, Smith emphasized the importance of this technique in advancing the understanding of how proteins work and how genetic variations can lead to disease.

Legacy

Michael Smith's work has left a lasting legacy in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetic engineering. He was known for his commitment to scientific education and outreach, advocating for public understanding of science and the ethical implications of genetic research. Smith also contributed to the establishment of several biotechnology companies and was instrumental in the development of the biotechnology sector in Canada.

In addition to the Nobel Prize, Smith received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including being appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada. The Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia are named in his honor, serving as a testament to his contributions to science and his impact on the field of biotechnology.

Death

Michael Smith passed away on October 4, 2000, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. His death was a loss to the scientific community, but his pioneering work continues to influence the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology.