Frederick Sanger: Pioneer in DNA Sequencing
Early Life and Education:
Frederick Sanger was born on August 13, 1918, in Rendcomb, Gloucestershire, England. He spent his early years in a small village and developed an early interest in science. Sanger’s father, Frederick Sanger Sr., was a medical practitioner, and his mother, Cicely Sanger, encouraged his intellectual pursuits.
Sanger attended the Bryanston School and later studied natural sciences at St John’s College, Cambridge. His academic excellence was evident, and he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry in 1939.
Research during World War II:
During World War II, Sanger worked on research related to the metabolism of the bacterium Escherichia coli. This foundational work laid the groundwork for his future contributions to molecular biology.
Insulin Structure Determination:
After the war, Sanger joined the Biochemistry Department at the University of Cambridge. His groundbreaking work on the determination of the structure of insulin brought him international acclaim. In 1958, Sanger became the second person ever to receive a Nobel Prize in Chemistry twice (the first being Marie Curie).
Sanger’s technique involved using chemical methods to break the protein into smaller fragments and then determining the order of these fragments. This was a laborious process that required significant dedication and precision.
Introduction of DNA Sequencing:
In the 1970s, Sanger turned his attention to the sequencing of DNA. Collaborating with colleagues, he developed the “dideoxy” or “Sanger sequencing” method, which became the standard for DNA sequencing. This groundbreaking technique earned him his second Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1980.
Sanger sequencing involves using chemically altered nucleotides (dideoxynucleotides) to terminate the synthesis of DNA strands at specific points. This results in a series of fragments that, when separated by size, reveal the sequence of the original DNA.
Impact on Genomic Research:
Sanger’s sequencing method played a crucial role in the Human Genome Project, a collaborative effort to map and sequence the entire human genome. His contributions paved the way for the development of automated DNA sequencing technologies that are widely used in modern molecular biology.
Later Years and Legacy:
In his later years, Sanger continued to contribute to scientific research and became a respected figure in the field. He received numerous honors and awards for his outstanding contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology.
Frederick Sanger passed away on November 19, 2013, at the age of 95. His legacy endures through the Sanger Institute, which was named in his honor and continues to be a leading center for genomics research.
Frederick Sanger’s impact on the field of molecular biology and genetics is immeasurable. His meticulous work laid the foundation for advancements that have revolutionized our understanding of the genetic code, and the Sanger sequencing method remains a cornerstone in genomic research.
