# Arthur Kornberg

> American biochemist

**Wikidata**: [Q295678](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q295678)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Kornberg)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/arthur-kornberg

## Summary
Arthur Kornberg was an American biochemist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1959 for his discovery of the mechanism of DNA replication. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he became a leading figure in molecular biology, contributing to the understanding of how genetic information is copied and passed on in living organisms.

## Biography
- Born: March 3, 1918, in Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from City College of New York (1938)
  - Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis (1942)
- Known for: Discovering the mechanism of DNA replication and its role in genetic inheritance
- Employer(s):
  - Stanford University (1952–1988)
  - Grossman School of Medicine at New York University (1988–2007)
- Field(s): Biochemistry, molecular biology

## Contributions
- **DNA Replication Mechanism**: Kornberg discovered that DNA polymerase, an enzyme, is responsible for copying DNA during cell division. This work laid the foundation for understanding how genetic information is preserved and transmitted.
- **Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1959)**: Awarded for his groundbreaking research on DNA replication, which revolutionized molecular biology and medicine.
- **Pioneering Work in Biochemistry**: Kornberg's research on DNA synthesis and repair mechanisms provided critical insights into how cells maintain and replicate their genetic material.
- **Teaching and Mentorship**: As a professor at Stanford University and later at New York University, Kornberg trained numerous scientists who made significant contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology.

## FAQs
### What was Arthur Kornberg's most significant scientific achievement?
Arthur Kornberg's most significant achievement was discovering the mechanism of DNA replication, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1959. His work revealed that DNA polymerase, an enzyme, is responsible for copying DNA during cell division, a process essential for genetic inheritance.

### Where did Arthur Kornberg receive his education?
Arthur Kornberg earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from City College of New York in 1938 and his Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis in 1942.

### Which institutions did Arthur Kornberg work at during his career?
Arthur Kornberg worked at Stanford University from 1952 to 1988 and later at the Grossman School of Medicine at New York University from 1988 until his retirement in 2007.

### What awards did Arthur Kornberg receive for his work?
Arthur Kornberg received numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1959), the National Medal of Science (1988), and the Canada Gairdner International Award (1972).

### What is Arthur Kornberg's legacy in the field of biochemistry?
Arthur Kornberg's legacy in biochemistry is profound, as his discovery of the DNA replication mechanism revolutionized molecular biology. His work laid the groundwork for understanding genetic inheritance and has had a lasting impact on medicine, biotechnology, and our understanding of life's fundamental processes.

## Why They Matter
Arthur Kornberg's work on DNA replication was a cornerstone of molecular biology, providing the scientific foundation for understanding how genetic information is copied and passed on. His discovery of DNA polymerase and its role in DNA synthesis transformed the field of biochemistry and had a profound impact on medicine, genetics, and biotechnology. Kornberg's research paved the way for advancements in genetic engineering, cancer research, and our understanding of how cells function. His contributions continue to influence scientific research and education, making him one of the most influential figures in the history of biochemistry.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize Winner**: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1959 for his discovery of the mechanism of DNA replication.
- **Pioneering Research**: Kornberg's work on DNA synthesis and repair mechanisms revolutionized molecular biology.
- **Teaching and Mentorship**: Trained numerous scientists who made significant contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology.
- **National Medal of Science**: Recipient of the National Medal of Science in 1988 for his outstanding contributions to science.
- **Canada Gairdner International Award**: Awarded the Canada Gairdner International Award in 1972 for his groundbreaking research in biochemistry.
- **Honorary Degrees**: Received honorary doctorates from various institutions, including the University of Miami and the Pierre and Marie Curie University.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Arthur Kornberg was born on March 3, 1918, in Brooklyn, New York. He developed an early interest in science and chemistry, which led him to pursue higher education. Kornberg earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from City College of New York in 1938 and his Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis in 1942. His academic training laid the foundation for his future research in biochemistry.

### Career and Research
Kornberg began his career at Stanford University in 1952, where he spent three decades conducting groundbreaking research in biochemistry. His most notable work involved studying the mechanism of DNA replication, which led to his Nobel Prize-winning discovery. Kornberg's research on DNA polymerase and its role in copying DNA during cell division provided critical insights into how genetic information is preserved and transmitted. His work revolutionized molecular biology and had a profound impact on medicine and biotechnology.

### Awards and Recognition
Arthur Kornberg received numerous prestigious awards and honors for his contributions to science. In 1959, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the mechanism of DNA replication. He also received the National Medal of Science in 1988 and the Canada Gairdner International Award in 1972. Kornberg's work was recognized by honorary doctorates from institutions such as the University of Miami and the Pierre and Marie Curie University.

### Teaching and Mentorship
Throughout his career, Kornberg was a dedicated teacher and mentor. He trained numerous scientists who made significant contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology. His teaching and mentorship had a lasting impact on the field, inspiring the next generation of researchers.

### Legacy and Influence
Arthur Kornberg's legacy in biochemistry is profound, as his discovery of the DNA replication mechanism revolutionized molecular biology. His work laid the groundwork for understanding genetic inheritance and has had a lasting impact on medicine, biotechnology, and our understanding of life's fundamental processes. Kornberg's contributions continue to influence scientific research and education, making him one of the most influential figures in the history of biochemistry.

## References

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