Johann Deisenhofer

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Johann Deisenhofer
Born (1943-09-30) September 30, 1943 (age 80)[2]
Zusamaltheim, Germany[2]
CitizenshipGermany and United States
Alma mater
Known for
Awards
Nobel Prize for Chemistry) (1988)
Scientific career
FieldsBiophysics and biochemistry
InstitutionsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center[2]
Doctoral advisorRobert Huber[2]
Websitewww.utsouthwestern.edu/labs/deisenhofer

Johann Deisenhofer (German pronunciation:

Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1988 for their determination of the first crystal structure of an integral membrane protein, a membrane-bound complex of proteins and co-factors that is essential to photosynthesis.[2][3][4][5]

Early life and education

Schematic of photosynthetic reaction center structure in membrane.

Born in Bavaria, Deisenhofer earned his doctorate from the

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
.

Career

Together with Michel and Huber, Deisenhofer determined the three-dimensional structure of a

photosynthetic reaction center, was known to play a crucial role in initiating a simple type of photosynthesis. Between 1982 and 1985, the three scientists used X-ray crystallography to determine the exact arrangement of the more than 10,000 atoms that make up the protein complex. Their research increased the general understanding of the mechanisms of photosynthesis and revealed similarities between the photosynthetic processes of plants and bacteria.[6]

Deisenhofer currently serves on the board of advisors of Scientists and Engineers for America, an organization focused on promoting sound science in American government. In 2003 he was one of 22 Nobel Laureates who signed the Humanist Manifesto.[7] He is currently a professor at the Department of Biophysics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.[8]

References

  1. American Academy of Achievement
    .
  2. ^ a b c d e f Frängsmyr, Tore; Malmström, Bo G., eds. (1992). Nobel Lectures, Chemistry 1981–1990. World Scientific Publishing Co. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
  3. PMID 10683655
    .
  4. ^ Biography at www.nobel.org
  5. S2CID 4193312
    .
  6. S2CID 1551692
    .
  7. ^ "Notable Signers". Humanism and Its Aspirations. American Humanist Association. Archived from the original on October 5, 2012. Retrieved October 1, 2012.
  8. ^ "Johann Deisenhofer, Ph.D. – Faculty Profile – UT Southwestern". Retrieved June 24, 2014.

External links

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