Sidney Altman
Sidney Altman
Sidney Altmanis a Canadian and American molecular biologist, who is the Sterling Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Chemistry at Yale University. In 1989 he shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Thomas R. Cech for their work on the catalytic properties of RNA...
NationalityCanadian
ProfessionScientist
Date of Birth7 May 1939
CountryCanada
hypothesis phenomenon instance
Nevertheless, as is a frequent occurrence in science, a general hypothesis was constructed from a few specific instances of a phenomenon.
active analogy center current picture soon suggested
We soon suggested that the RNA subunit of RNase P was part of the active center of the enzyme, by analogy to the then current picture of the ribosome.
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Thus, the pathways leading to the discoveries of RNA catalysis were not as direct as one might imagine from reading about the results in textbooks.
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We are united in the hope that every individual will someday enjoy at least the intellectual privileges we have had, if not always the material advantages.
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The mystique associated with the bomb, the role that scientists played in it, and its general importance could not fail to impress even a six-year old.
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We are very fortunate to be recognized here in such an extraordinary manner for work that we enjoy.
neither
Furthermore, neither of our research groups set out in search of RNA catalysis.
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It was from them that I learned that hard work in stable surroundings could yield rewards, even if only in infinitesimally small increments.
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No sacrifice was too great to forward our education and, fortunately, books and the tradition of study were not unknown in our family.
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At the MRC laboratory I started the work that led to the discovery of RNase P and the enzymatic properties of the RNA subunit of that enzyme.
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However, it was made clear to the first generation of Canadian-born children that the path to opportunity was through education.
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The chemical details of catalysis by RNase P remain to be fully worked out although a rough picture of this reaction is now available.
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My intention was to enroll at McGill University but an unexpected series of events led me to study physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
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I should mention that while I was growing up, Einstein was presented as a worthy role model for a young boy who was good at his studies.