AK

Aaron Klug

19quotes

Aaron Klug


Full Name and Common Aliases


Aaron Klug CBE FRS FRSE HonFRCPath

Birth and Death Dates


Born: August 11, 1926
Died: November 20, 2018

Nationality and Profession(s)


British Biochemist

Early Life and Background


Aaron Klug was born in Želva, Lithuania, to a Jewish family. His early life was marked by the tumultuous events of World War II, including the Nazi occupation of Lithuania. After the war, his family moved to South Africa, where he began his education. Klug's interest in science and mathematics led him to pursue a career in biochemistry.

Major Accomplishments


Aaron Klug made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry, particularly in the area of molecular structure determination. His work on protein-nucleic acid interactions, including the discovery of the structure of tomato bushy stunt virus, earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1982. Klug's research also focused on the development of X-ray crystallography techniques for determining the structures of biological molecules.

Notable Works or Actions


Klug's notable works include:

Development of the "X-ray crystallographic method" for determining the structure of viruses and other macromolecules.
 Research on protein-nucleic acid interactions, including the discovery of the structure of tomato bushy stunt virus.
* Investigation into the structure and function of biological molecules, particularly nucleic acids.

Impact and Legacy


Aaron Klug's contributions to biochemistry have had a profound impact on our understanding of molecular biology. His work has paved the way for significant advances in fields such as genomics and cancer research. Klug's development of X-ray crystallography techniques has enabled researchers to determine the structures of complex biological molecules, shedding light on their functions and interactions.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Aaron Klug is widely quoted and remembered for his groundbreaking work in biochemistry and molecular biology. His discovery of the structure of tomato bushy stunt virus marked a significant milestone in the field, while his development of X-ray crystallography techniques has enabled researchers to make major breakthroughs. Klug's legacy extends beyond his scientific contributions; he has also been recognized for his commitment to public service and his advocacy for the importance of science education.

In 1982, Aaron Klug was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry "for his work on the structure of biological molecules by means of X-ray crystallography." His research continues to inspire new generations of scientists, and his legacy serves as a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and discovery.

Quotes by Aaron Klug

People who get Nobel prizes aren’t necessarily the most imaginative of people. People who sometimes find a system, develop a system, do very useful work.
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People who get Nobel prizes aren’t necessarily the most imaginative of people. People who sometimes find a system, develop a system, do very useful work.
AK
My father was trained as a saddler, but in fact as a young man worked in his father’s business of rearing and selling cattle, so he grew up in the countryside.
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My father was trained as a saddler, but in fact as a young man worked in his father’s business of rearing and selling cattle, so he grew up in the countryside.
AK
I like teaching and the contact with young minds keeps one on one’s toes, but increasing responsibilities have forced me to shed much of it in recent years.
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I like teaching and the contact with young minds keeps one on one’s toes, but increasing responsibilities have forced me to shed much of it in recent years.
AK
The philosophy of the school was quite simple – the bright boys specialised in Latin, the not so bright in science and the rest managed with geography or the like.
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The philosophy of the school was quite simple – the bright boys specialised in Latin, the not so bright in science and the rest managed with geography or the like.
AK
One cannot plan for the unexpected.
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One cannot plan for the unexpected.
AK
#plans
I like teaching and the contact with young minds keeps one on one's toes, but increasing responsibilities have forced me to shed much of it in recent years.
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I like teaching and the contact with young minds keeps one on one's toes, but increasing responsibilities have forced me to shed much of it in recent years.
AK
#responsibility
I did not feel a particularly strong call to any one subject, but read voraciously and widely and began to find science interesting.
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I did not feel a particularly strong call to any one subject, but read voraciously and widely and began to find science interesting.
AK
#feels
People who get Nobel prizes aren't necessarily the most imaginative of people. People who sometimes find a system, develop a system, do very useful work.
"
People who get Nobel prizes aren't necessarily the most imaginative of people. People who sometimes find a system, develop a system, do very useful work.
AK
#people
This field is not necessarily glamorous, nor does it often produce immediate results, but it seeks to increase our basic understanding of living processes.
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This field is not necessarily glamorous, nor does it often produce immediate results, but it seeks to increase our basic understanding of living processes.
AK
#basic
However, I should perhaps add that during the 20 years I have been back in Cambridge, I have been actively involved in the teaching of undergraduates, as well as of course supervising research students.
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However, I should perhaps add that during the 20 years I have been back in Cambridge, I have been actively involved in the teaching of undergraduates, as well as of course supervising research students.
AK
#actively
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