Wilhelm Kühne

Wilhelm Friedrich K%C3%BChne (HeidICON 28859) (cropped)

Wilhelm Kühne (March 28, 1837 – June 10, 1900) was a German physiologist known for his pioneering work in the field of biochemistry and physiology. He is particularly noted for coining the term "enzyme" and for his research on muscle contraction and vision.

Early Life and Education

Wilhelm Friedrich Kühne was born in Hamburg, Germany. He studied medicine and natural sciences at the University of Göttingen and later at the University of Berlin, where he was influenced by prominent scientists such as Johannes Müller and Emil du Bois-Reymond.

Career

Kühne began his academic career as an assistant to Carl Ludwig at the University of Leipzig. He later became a professor of physiology at the University of Heidelberg, where he conducted much of his groundbreaking research.

Research on Enzymes

Kühne is best known for his work on enzymes. In 1877, he introduced the term "enzyme" to describe the biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions in living organisms. His research laid the foundation for the modern field of enzymology.

Muscle Contraction

Kühne also made significant contributions to the understanding of muscle contraction. He studied the biochemical processes involved in muscle function and identified the role of proteins such as myosin and actin.

Vision Research

In addition to his work on enzymes and muscle contraction, Kühne conducted important research on vision. He investigated the photochemical reactions in the retina and contributed to the understanding of visual processes.

Legacy

Wilhelm Kühne's work has had a lasting impact on the fields of biochemistry and physiology. His introduction of the term "enzyme" and his research on muscle contraction and vision have influenced generations of scientists.

Related Pages

• Biochemistry
• Physiology
• Enzyme
• Muscle contraction
• Vision
• University of Heidelberg
• University of Göttingen
• University of Berlin
• Carl Ludwig
• Johannes Müller
• Emil du Bois-Reymond