# James B. Sumner

> American chemist (1887-1955)

**Wikidata**: [Q106756](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106756)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_B._Sumner)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/james-b-sumner

## Summary
James B. Sumner was an American chemist born in 1887 and active until 1955. He is best known for his groundbreaking work in biochemistry, particularly his discovery of the enzyme urease, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1946. His research laid the foundation for modern enzyme kinetics and metabolic pathways.

## Biography
- Born: November 19, 1887, in Canton, Illinois, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education:
  - Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University (1910)
  - Doctorate from Harvard Medical School (1914)
- Known for: Pioneering research on enzyme mechanisms and metabolic pathways
- Employer(s):
  - Harvard Medical School (faculty member)
  - National Academy of Sciences
  - American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Field(s): Biochemistry, Chemistry

## Contributions
- **Discovery of Urease**: In 1935, Sumner isolated and purified the enzyme urease from jack beans, demonstrating its role in breaking down urea. This work was foundational for understanding enzyme catalysis and metabolic processes.
- **Nobel Prize in Chemistry**: Awarded in 1946 for his contributions to biochemistry, particularly his studies on enzyme mechanisms and metabolic pathways.
- **Biochemistry Research**: Sumner’s work on enzyme kinetics and metabolic pathways advanced the field of biochemistry, influencing subsequent research in drug discovery and metabolic engineering.
- **Academic Leadership**: As a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, Sumner contributed to the development of biochemistry as an academic discipline, mentoring numerous students and researchers.

## FAQs
### What was James B. Sumner’s most significant scientific achievement?
James B. Sumner’s most significant achievement was the isolation and purification of the enzyme urease in 1935, which demonstrated its role in breaking down urea and laid the groundwork for modern enzyme kinetics.

### Where did James B. Sumner receive his education?
James B. Sumner earned his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in 1910 and his doctorate from Harvard Medical School in 1914.

### What awards did James B. Sumner receive?
James B. Sumner received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1946 for his contributions to biochemistry, including his work on enzyme mechanisms and metabolic pathways.

### Where did James B. Sumner work during his career?
James B. Sumner worked as a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and was affiliated with the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

## Why They Matter
James B. Sumner’s work revolutionized biochemistry by demonstrating the role of enzymes in metabolic processes. His discovery of urease provided critical insights into enzyme catalysis, influencing subsequent research in drug discovery, metabolic engineering, and biotechnology. Sumner’s contributions laid the foundation for modern enzyme kinetics and metabolic pathways, shaping the field of biochemistry for decades. His Nobel Prize recognition cemented his legacy as a pioneer in the study of biological molecules and their functions.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1946)**: Awarded for his groundbreaking research on enzyme mechanisms and metabolic pathways.
- **Discovery of Urease (1935)**: Isolated and purified the enzyme urease, demonstrating its role in breaking down urea and advancing enzyme kinetics.
- **Harvard Medical School Faculty Member**: Contributed to the development of biochemistry as an academic discipline and mentored numerous researchers.
- **National Academy of Sciences Member**: Recognized for his significant contributions to scientific research and academia.
- **American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow**: Honored for his achievements in the arts and sciences.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
James Batcheller Sumner was born on November 19, 1887, in Canton, Illinois. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Cornell University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1910. He then attended Harvard Medical School, where he earned his doctorate in 1914. Sumner’s early education laid the groundwork for his future contributions to biochemistry.

### Scientific Contributions
Sumner’s most notable contribution was the isolation and purification of the enzyme urease from jack beans in 1935. This work demonstrated the enzyme’s role in breaking down urea and provided critical insights into enzyme catalysis. His research on metabolic pathways and enzyme kinetics advanced the field of biochemistry, influencing subsequent studies in drug discovery and metabolic engineering.

### Academic Career
Sumner served as a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, where he contributed to the development of biochemistry as an academic discipline. He was also affiliated with the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, where he made significant contributions to scientific research and academia.

### Awards and Recognition
In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Sumner was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1946. This prestigious honor cemented his legacy as a pioneer in biochemistry and enzyme research. His contributions to the field were widely recognized and influential, shaping the trajectory of scientific research for decades.

### Legacy and Influence
James B. Sumner’s legacy endures through his foundational work in biochemistry, particularly his studies on enzyme mechanisms and metabolic pathways. His discovery of urease and his Nobel Prize recognition have left a lasting impact on the field, influencing generations of researchers and scientists. Sumner’s contributions continue to shape the understanding of biological molecules and their functions, ensuring his place as a key figure in the history of biochemistry.

## References

1. Guggenheim Fellows database
2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
3. Find a Grave
4. Genealogics
5. [Source](http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/chemistry/laureates/1946/)
6. [Source](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/about/amounts/)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. NNDB
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. SNAC
12. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
13. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
14. Croatian Encyclopedia
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. nobelprize.org
17. IdRef
18. Autoritats UB