Marshall Nirenberg

Definition

Marshall Nirenberg was an American biochemist known for his groundbreaking work in deciphering the genetic code. His experiments in the early 1960s revealed how sequences of nucleotides in DNA correspond to specific amino acids, a fundamental aspect of molecular biology and protein synthesis. Nirenberg's work was pivotal in understanding how messenger RNA (mRNA) translates genetic information into proteins, significantly advancing our knowledge of genetics and cellular processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marshall Nirenberg was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1968 for his role in deciphering the genetic code, sharing the prize with Har Gobind Khorana and Robert W. Holley.
2. Nirenberg used synthetic RNA and ribosomes to demonstrate that specific triplet sequences of nucleotides corresponded to particular amino acids during protein synthesis.
3. His research established the first direct link between nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences in proteins, which is fundamental to the field of molecular biology.
4. Nirenberg's experiments helped confirm that the genetic code is nearly universal, meaning it is used by almost all organisms on Earth.
5. His work laid the foundation for further research in genetics, including developments in biotechnology, genetic engineering, and the understanding of genetic disorders.

Review Questions

• How did Marshall Nirenberg contribute to our understanding of the genetic code and its relationship with protein synthesis?
  • Marshall Nirenberg's contribution was pivotal as he deciphered how sequences of nucleotides in DNA correlate with specific amino acids during protein synthesis. His innovative use of synthetic RNA demonstrated that specific triplet sequences encoded particular amino acids, thereby linking nucleic acids to protein formation. This discovery provided critical insights into the mechanisms of gene expression and protein synthesis, shaping our understanding of molecular biology.
• Discuss the significance of Nirenberg's findings on messenger RNA (mRNA) and its role in translation.
  • Nirenberg's findings were crucial as they established how mRNA serves as the intermediary between DNA and protein synthesis. His experiments showed that mRNA carries the genetic instructions from DNA to ribosomes, where translation occurs. This understanding highlighted the importance of mRNA in translating genetic information into functional proteins, thus playing a key role in cellular function and gene expression.
• Evaluate the impact of Marshall Nirenberg's research on modern biotechnology and genetic engineering.
  • Marshall Nirenberg's research has had a profound impact on modern biotechnology and genetic engineering by laying the groundwork for manipulating genetic information. By elucidating the genetic code, his work allowed scientists to understand how genes control traits and enabled advancements such as recombinant DNA technology and gene editing. These breakthroughs have transformed fields such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental science, leading to innovations like genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and gene therapies for various diseases.

Related terms

Genetic Code: The set of rules by which information encoded within genetic material is translated into proteins by living cells.

Messenger RNA (mRNA): A type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.

Translation:

The process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using the information encoded in mRNA.