Richard J. Roberts: A Pioneer in Molecular Biology


Full Name and Common Aliases


Richard John Roberts is a renowned British-American biochemist and molecular biologist.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on February 6, 1943, in Cheshire, England, UK.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Nationality: British-American
Profession: Biochemist, Molecular Biologist

Early Life and Background


Richard Roberts grew up in a family of modest means. His father was an engineer at a local factory, and his mother managed the household. From a young age, Roberts showed a keen interest in science and mathematics. He attended the University of Oxford, where he studied chemistry and developed his passion for molecular biology.

Major Accomplishments


Roberts' most notable contribution to science is the discovery of split genes, also known as introns and exons. In 1977, while working at New England Biolabs, Roberts, along with Phillip Sharp, made the groundbreaking discovery that genes can be interrupted by non-coding DNA sequences. This finding revolutionized our understanding of gene structure and function.

Notable Works or Actions


In addition to his work on split genes, Roberts has made significant contributions to the development of molecular biology techniques, including the use of restriction enzymes in genetic engineering. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1993, along with Phillip Sharp, for their discovery of split genes.

Impact and Legacy


Roberts' discovery of split genes has had a profound impact on our understanding of genetics and its applications in biotechnology. His work has paved the way for advancements in genetic engineering, gene therapy, and personalized medicine. As a pioneer in molecular biology, Roberts continues to inspire new generations of scientists and researchers.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Roberts is widely quoted and remembered for his groundbreaking discovery of split genes, which has had far-reaching implications for our understanding of genetics and its applications. His work has been instrumental in shaping the field of molecular biology and continues to influence research and innovation today. As a leading figure in the scientific community, Roberts' insights on the importance of basic research and the potential of biotechnology have made him a respected voice in the world of science.

As a scientist and educator, Richard J. Roberts has dedicated his career to advancing our understanding of molecular biology and its applications. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the field, inspiring new discoveries and innovations that continue to shape the course of human history. Through his work, we are reminded of the power of scientific inquiry and the importance of pushing the boundaries of knowledge to improve the world around us.

Quotes by Richard J. Roberts

A lot of medicines are not there to cure diseases. That's fine - drugs that keep people alive who wouldn't otherwise be alive are useful. What I object to is the drug companies' advertising, which you see everywhere in the U.S., which claims that they are curing diseases when they're not.
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A lot of medicines are not there to cure diseases. That's fine - drugs that keep people alive who wouldn't otherwise be alive are useful. What I object to is the drug companies' advertising, which you see everywhere in the U.S., which claims that they are curing diseases when they're not.
The battle over genetically modified crops is rife with business interests and political opportunism. When GMOs were first produced in laboratories around the world, they were rightly heralded as a tremendous leap forward in our ability to supplement nature by providing high-nutrient foods.
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The battle over genetically modified crops is rife with business interests and political opportunism. When GMOs were first produced in laboratories around the world, they were rightly heralded as a tremendous leap forward in our ability to supplement nature by providing high-nutrient foods.
During normal cell metabolism, RNA is constantly being made and broken down. The purine and pyrimidine residues are reused by several salvage pathways to make more genetic material. Purine is salvaged in the form of the corresponding nucleotide, whereas pyrimidine is salvaged as the nucleoside.
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During normal cell metabolism, RNA is constantly being made and broken down. The purine and pyrimidine residues are reused by several salvage pathways to make more genetic material. Purine is salvaged in the form of the corresponding nucleotide, whereas pyrimidine is salvaged as the nucleoside.
PubMed Central is vital for researchers and the public alike. Only through free access can everyone find out where the cutting edge of research lies. With access to the latest studies, patients and their families have a much-needed piece of the puzzle as they consider treatment options and potential outcomes.
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PubMed Central is vital for researchers and the public alike. Only through free access can everyone find out where the cutting edge of research lies. With access to the latest studies, patients and their families have a much-needed piece of the puzzle as they consider treatment options and potential outcomes.
The strands of the DNA double helix are held together by hydrogen bonding interactions between the complementary base pairs. Heating DNA in solution easily breaks these hydrogen bonds, allowing the two strands to separate - a process called denaturation or melting.
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The strands of the DNA double helix are held together by hydrogen bonding interactions between the complementary base pairs. Heating DNA in solution easily breaks these hydrogen bonds, allowing the two strands to separate - a process called denaturation or melting.
The way health care is funded in the U.S. is not sustainable. People are being kept alive who are probably better off dead. The cost of health care is too high, and you don't get much for it - it's twice as high in the U.S. as elsewhere, and it's because of the middlemen.
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The way health care is funded in the U.S. is not sustainable. People are being kept alive who are probably better off dead. The cost of health care is too high, and you don't get much for it - it's twice as high in the U.S. as elsewhere, and it's because of the middlemen.
Each year, several million children either die or suffer irreparable developmental defects because of vitamin A deficiency. Countless others are harmed by malnutrition and starvation. Yet many of these deaths would be preventable if we addressed them head on and used the tools that exist to stop them.
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Each year, several million children either die or suffer irreparable developmental defects because of vitamin A deficiency. Countless others are harmed by malnutrition and starvation. Yet many of these deaths would be preventable if we addressed them head on and used the tools that exist to stop them.
DNA is the master blueprint for life and constitutes the genetic material in all free-living organisms and most viruses. RNA is the genetic material of certain viruses, but it is also found in all living cells, where it plays an important role in certain processes such as the making of proteins.
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DNA is the master blueprint for life and constitutes the genetic material in all free-living organisms and most viruses. RNA is the genetic material of certain viruses, but it is also found in all living cells, where it plays an important role in certain processes such as the making of proteins.
Hard as it is to imagine, there's a move afoot in Congress to take away the public's free online access to tax-funded medical research findings. That would be bad for medical discovery, bad for patients looking for the latest research results, and another rip-off of the American taxpayer.
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Hard as it is to imagine, there's a move afoot in Congress to take away the public's free online access to tax-funded medical research findings. That would be bad for medical discovery, bad for patients looking for the latest research results, and another rip-off of the American taxpayer.
There is need for more science in politics and less politics in science.
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There is need for more science in politics and less politics in science.
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