# Kary Mullis

> American biochemist (1944–2019)

**Wikidata**: [Q157224](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q157224)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kary_Mullis)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kary-mullis

## Summary
Kary Mullis was an American biochemist best known for inventing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a revolutionary technique in molecular biology that allows for the amplification of DNA sequences. His work earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1993 and fundamentally transformed genetic research, medical diagnostics, and forensic science.

## Biography
- **Born**: December 28, 1944
- **Died**: August 7, 2019
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: University of California, Berkeley (Bachelor's in Chemistry), Georgia Tech (Ph.D. in Biochemistry)
- **Known for**: Inventing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
- **Employer(s)**: Cetus Corporation, University of California, Berkeley
- **Field(s)**: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry

## Contributions
Kary Mullis invented the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 1983 while working at Cetus Corporation. PCR is a method to amplify DNA sequences, enabling the creation of millions of copies of a specific DNA segment. This technique revolutionized molecular biology, genetics, and medical diagnostics by providing a rapid and efficient way to analyze DNA. PCR has applications in forensic science, genetic testing, and the study of genetic diseases. Mullis's invention earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1993, shared with Michael Smith. Additionally, Mullis contributed to the development of techniques for synthesizing oligonucleotides and studying DNA structure and function.

## FAQs

### What is Kary Mullis best known for?
Kary Mullis is best known for inventing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique that allows for the amplification of DNA sequences. This invention revolutionized molecular biology and earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1993.

### Where did Kary Mullis receive his education?
Kary Mullis received his Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Georgia Tech.

### What awards did Kary Mullis receive?
Kary Mullis received several prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1993, the Japan Prize in 1993, and the National Inventors Hall of Fame induction in 1998. He was also recognized with the Canada Gairdner International Award and the Robert Koch Prize.

### What is the significance of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)?
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a fundamental technique in molecular biology that allows for the amplification of DNA sequences. It has revolutionized genetic research, medical diagnostics, and forensic science by providing a rapid and efficient way to analyze DNA.

### What fields did Kary Mullis work in?
Kary Mullis worked in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, and chemistry. His research focused on DNA structure and function, as well as the development of techniques for synthesizing oligonucleotides.

## Why They Matter
Kary Mullis's invention of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fundamentally transformed the field of molecular biology. PCR enabled rapid and efficient DNA amplification, making it possible to study genetic material in ways that were previously unimaginable. This technique has had a profound impact on medical diagnostics, forensic science, and genetic research, leading to advancements in the understanding and treatment of genetic diseases. Mullis's work has influenced countless scientists and researchers, and his contributions continue to shape the field of biochemistry and molecular biology.

## Notable For
- Inventing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
- Winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1993
- Receiving the Japan Prize in 1993
- Being inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1998
- Contributing to the development of techniques for synthesizing oligonucleotides
- Studying DNA structure and function
- Receiving the Canada Gairdner International Award
- Receiving the Robert Koch Prize

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Kary Mullis was born on December 28, 1944. He received his Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Georgia Tech. His educational background laid the foundation for his groundbreaking work in molecular biology and biochemistry.

### Career and Research
Kary Mullis began his career at Cetus Corporation, where he invented the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 1983. PCR is a technique that allows for the amplification of DNA sequences, enabling the creation of millions of copies of a specific DNA segment. This invention revolutionized molecular biology, genetics, and medical diagnostics by providing a rapid and efficient way to analyze DNA.

Mullis's work at Cetus Corporation focused on the development of techniques for synthesizing oligonucleotides and studying DNA structure and function. His research contributions have had a profound impact on the field of biochemistry and molecular biology.

### Awards and Recognition
Kary Mullis received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science. In 1993, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his invention of PCR, shared with Michael Smith. He also received the Japan Prize in 1993 and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1998. Other notable awards include the Canada Gairdner International Award and the Robert Koch Prize.

### Impact and Legacy
Kary Mullis's invention of PCR has had a lasting impact on the field of molecular biology. PCR has enabled rapid and efficient DNA amplification, making it possible to study genetic material in ways that were previously unimaginable. This technique has revolutionized medical diagnostics, forensic science, and genetic research, leading to advancements in the understanding and treatment of genetic diseases.

Mullis's work has influenced countless scientists and researchers, and his contributions continue to shape the field of biochemistry and molecular biology. His legacy is marked by his innovative spirit and his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge.

### Personal Life and Later Years
Kary Mullis passed away on August 7, 2019. Throughout his life, he remained a prominent figure in the scientific community, known for his groundbreaking work and his contributions to the field of biochemistry. His inventions and discoveries continue to inspire and influence scientists around the world.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.postandcourier.com/news/nobel-prize-winning-chemist-who-grew-up-in-sc-capital/article_f69354e6-baa3-11e9-b4d2-e7b21bfe5bfd.html)
2. [Source](https://www.lemonde.fr/disparitions/article/2019/08/18/mort-de-kary-mullis-prix-nobel-de-chimie-1993_5500473_3382.html)
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Geni.com
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6. [The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1993](http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/chemistry/laureates/1993/)
7. [The Nobel Prize amounts](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/about/amounts/)
8. [Mort de Kary Mullis, Prix Nobel de chimie 1993. 2019](https://www.lemonde.fr/disparitions/article/2019/08/18/mort-de-kary-mullis-prix-nobel-de-chimie-1993_5500473_3382.html)
9. National Inventors Hall of Fame
10. [Robert Koch Award](https://www.robert-koch-stiftung.de/index.php?article_id=15&clang=1)
11. [Robert-Koch-Preis. Robert Koch Foundation](https://www.robert-koch-stiftung.de/index.php?article_id=15&clang=0)
12. [Source](https://www.muni.cz/o-univerzite/vyznamenani/cestne-doktoraty-udelene-mu?page=1)
13. [Source](https://thejohnscottaward.github.io/jsc/1951-2010.html)
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17. [Source](https://mynewsla.com/education/2019/08/08/nobel-winner-kary-banks-mullis-who-revolutionized-dna-research-dies-in-o-c/)
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23. [Dreher High School grad who revolutionized DNA has died. 2019](https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/south-carolina/article233664142.html)
24. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
25. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
26. [Source](https://www.mediatheque.lindau-nobel.org/laureates/mullis)
27. [Source](https://www.biografiasyvidas.com/biografia/m/mullis.htm)
28. Quora