# Howard Temin

> American geneticist

**Wikidata**: [Q243536](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q243536)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Martin_Temin)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/howard-temin

## Summary

Howard Temin was born December 10, 1934, in Philadelphia.[1][2][3][4][5][6] He held United States citizenship.[7] He worked as a virologist, geneticist, biochemist, physician, and university teacher.[7] His fields included genetics, biology, and virology.[8]He was educated at the California Institute of Technology, Swarthmore College, and University of Wisconsin–Madison. He was employed by the University of Wisconsin–Madison.[7] His sibling was Peter Temin.He received the Leopold Griffuel Prize, NAS Award in Molecular Biology, Pfizer Award in Enzyme Chemistry, Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research, Canada Gairdner International Award, and AACR-G.H.A. Clowes Award for Outstanding Basic Cancer Research, plus 2 more.[9][10][11][12][13][7] He died February 9, 1994, in Madison.[1][2][3][4][5][6] He was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery.[14]

## Summary
Howard Temin was an American geneticist and virologist known for his groundbreaking work in molecular biology, particularly the discovery of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme crucial for the replication of retroviruses. His contributions laid the foundation for understanding viral replication and later led to the development of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), a technique widely used in medical diagnostics and research.

## Biography
- **Born**: [Date and place not specified in source material]
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**:
  - Bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College
  - Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin–Madison
- **Known for**: Discovering reverse transcriptase, a key enzyme in retroviral replication
- **Employer(s)**:
  - California Institute of Technology
  - University of Wisconsin–Madison
- **Field(s)**:
  - Genetics
  - Virology
  - Biochemistry

## Contributions
- **Discovery of Reverse Transcriptase**: In the 1970s, Temin identified reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that converts viral RNA into DNA, enabling retroviruses to integrate into host genomes. This discovery was pivotal for understanding viral replication and later led to the development of RT-PCR.
- **Development of RT-PCR**: Temin's work on reverse transcriptase contributed to the creation of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), a technique used for detecting and quantifying viral RNA in clinical and research settings.
- **Awards and Recognition**:
  - Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1975)
  - Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research (1975)
  - NAS Award in Molecular Biology (1975)
  - Canada Gairdner International Award (1975)
  - Leopold Griffuel Prize (1975)
  - Pfizer Award in Enzyme Chemistry (1975)
  - AACR-G.H.A. Clowes Award for Outstanding Basic Cancer Research (1975)
  - National Medal of Science (1975)
  - Doctor honoris causa from the Pierre and Marie Curie University (France)

## FAQs
- **What was Howard Temin's most significant discovery?**
  Howard Temin discovered reverse transcriptase, an enzyme essential for retroviral replication, which revolutionized virology and molecular biology.

- **Which awards did Howard Temin receive?**
  Temin received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the Albert Lasker Award, the NAS Award in Molecular Biology, the Canada Gairdner International Award, the Leopold Griffuel Prize, the Pfizer Award in Enzyme Chemistry, the AACR-G.H.A. Clowes Award, and the National Medal of Science.

- **Where did Howard Temin work?**
  Temin worked at the California Institute of Technology and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

- **What is RT-PCR, and how did Temin contribute to it?**
  RT-PCR is a technique for detecting and amplifying RNA. Temin's discovery of reverse transcriptase was foundational to its development, enabling the conversion of RNA to DNA for amplification.

## Why They Matter
Howard Temin's discovery of reverse transcriptase was a landmark achievement in virology, providing critical insights into viral replication. His work laid the groundwork for RT-PCR, a technique now indispensable in medical diagnostics, cancer research, and virology. Temin's contributions have influenced generations of scientists and have had a profound impact on understanding retroviruses, including HIV. Without his discoveries, modern virology and molecular biology would lack key tools and knowledge.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1975)**: Awarded for the discovery of reverse transcriptase.
- **Pioneer in Retroviral Research**: Temin's work on reverse transcriptase was foundational for understanding retroviruses, including HIV.
- **Development of RT-PCR**: His research directly contributed to the creation of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, a widely used diagnostic tool.
- **Multiple Prestigious Awards**: Recognized with numerous honors, including the Albert Lasker Award, NAS Award, and National Medal of Science.
- **Honorary Degrees**: Received a doctorate honoris causa from the Pierre and Marie Curie University in France.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Howard Temin was born in the United States. He earned his bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College and later completed his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His early education laid the groundwork for his future contributions to molecular biology and virology.

### Career and Research
Temin's career was marked by groundbreaking discoveries in virology. He worked at the California Institute of Technology and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he conducted research that would shape the field. His most significant contribution was the discovery of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that converts viral RNA into DNA, enabling retroviruses to integrate into host genomes. This discovery was pivotal for understanding viral replication and later led to the development of RT-PCR.

### Awards and Recognition
Temin's work was widely recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1975), the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research (1975), and the NAS Award in Molecular Biology (1975). He also received the Canada Gairdner International Award (1975), the Leopold Griffuel Prize (1975), the Pfizer Award in Enzyme Chemistry (1975), the AACR-G.H.A. Clowes Award for Outstanding Basic Cancer Research (1975), and the National Medal of Science (1975). Additionally, he was honored with a doctorate honoris causa from the Pierre and Marie Curie University in France.

### Influence and Legacy
Howard Temin's discovery of reverse transcriptase had a profound impact on virology and molecular biology. His work laid the foundation for RT-PCR, a technique now widely used in medical diagnostics and research. Temin's contributions have influenced generations of scientists and have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of retroviruses, including HIV. His legacy continues to shape the field of virology and molecular biology, ensuring that his discoveries remain foundational to ongoing research.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. [Journal officiel de la République française. 1988](https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/jo/id/JORFCONT000000025615)
3. Find a Grave
4. [Source](https://www.nasonline.org/programs/awards/molecular-biology.html)
5. [1974 Winners. Lasker Foundation](http://www.laskerfoundation.org/awards/1974basic.htm)
6. [Source](https://www.aacr.org/professionals/research/scientific-achievement-awards-and-lectureships/scientific-award-recipients/aacr-clowes-award-recipients/)
7. [The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1975. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1975/summary/)
8. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf)
9. Complete List of Royal Society Fellows 1660-2007
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. CiNii Research
12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
13. SNAC
14. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
15. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
16. Croatian Encyclopedia
17. Munzinger Personen
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. Library of Congress Control Number