Robert K. Crane

Robert K. Crane

Robert K. Crane (December 18, 1919 – October 31, 2010) was an American biochemist renowned for his discovery of the sodium-glucose cotransport mechanism, a fundamental process in cellular physiology. His work has had significant implications in the fields of biochemistry, physiology, and medicine.

Early Life and Education

Robert Kellogg Crane was born in Palmyra, New Jersey. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Washington and Jefferson College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1942. Crane then attended Harvard Medical School, obtaining his M.D. in 1945. He furthered his education by earning a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Cincinnati in 1950.

Career and Research

Crane's most notable contribution to science was the discovery of the sodium-glucose cotransport mechanism in the 1960s. This discovery was pivotal in understanding how glucose is absorbed in the small intestine. The sodium-glucose cotransport mechanism involves the simultaneous transport of sodium ions and glucose molecules across the cell membrane, a process that is essential for the absorption of nutrients.

Crane's research demonstrated that the transport of glucose into cells is coupled with the transport of sodium, a process driven by the sodium gradient maintained by the sodium-potassium pump. This mechanism is crucial for the absorption of glucose in the small intestine and the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys.

Impact and Legacy

The discovery of the sodium-glucose cotransport mechanism has had profound implications in various medical fields, particularly in understanding and treating conditions such as diabetes mellitus and glucose-galactose malabsorption. Crane's work laid the foundation for the development of oral rehydration therapy, a life-saving treatment for severe dehydration caused by diarrhea.

Crane's contributions to science have been widely recognized, and he received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He served as a professor at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Chicago and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Personal Life

Robert K. Crane was married and had children. He passed away on October 31, 2010, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking scientific contributions.

See Also

• Biochemistry
• Sodium-glucose cotransport
• Oral rehydration therapy
• Diabetes mellitus
• Small intestine

External Links

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