Sidney Altman
Sidney Altman
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Sidney Altman was born Sidney Altshul on July 7, 1939.
Birth and Death Dates
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July 7, 1939 – June 5, 2022
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Canadian-American biochemist and molecular biologist
Early Life and Background
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Sidney Altman was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. His family later moved to Toronto, where he grew up. Altman developed an interest in science at a young age, particularly in chemistry and biology.
He attended the University of Toronto, graduating with honors in 1961. After completing his undergraduate degree, Altman went on to earn his Ph.D. in molecular biophysics and biochemistry from Yale University in 1967.
Major Accomplishments
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Altman's groundbreaking work focused on the discovery of ribozymes – RNA molecules that can catalyze chemical reactions. This finding challenged the long-held dogma that only proteins could serve as catalysts.
In addition to his research, Altman was also an accomplished teacher and mentor. He held various academic positions throughout his career, including appointments at Yale University, the University of Colorado Boulder, and Yale University School of Medicine.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works by Sidney Altman include:
The discovery of ribozymes in 1982
Contributions to the development of RNA-based therapeutics
Impact and Legacy
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Altman's work on ribozymes has far-reaching implications for our understanding of molecular biology. His research has paved the way for advancements in fields such as gene therapy, RNA-based diagnostics, and synthetic biology.
Sidney Altman's legacy extends beyond his scientific contributions. He was a dedicated educator and advocate for science literacy. Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly to promote public awareness of scientific issues and their impact on society.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Sidney Altman is widely recognized for his pioneering work in the field of molecular biology. His discovery of ribozymes has had a lasting impact on our understanding of RNA's capabilities. As a result, he is frequently quoted and referenced in scientific literature.
Altman's commitment to education and science communication has also earned him recognition within the academic community.
Quotes by Sidney Altman
By the time I reached high school my father’s grocery store had made our life adequately comfortable and I was able to choose, without any practical encumbrances, the subjects that I wanted to pursue in college.
All the people who do well work very hard. Nobody who has a record of achievement has been lazy about it.
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.
The chemical details of catalysis by RNase P remain to be fully worked out although a rough picture of this reaction is now available.
However, it was made clear to the first generation of Canadian-born children that the path to opportunity was through education.
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.
No sacrifice was too great to forward our education and, fortunately, books and the tradition of study were not unknown in our family.
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.
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.
By the time I reached high school my father's grocery store had made our life adequately comfortable and I was able to choose, without any practical encumbrances, the subjects that I wanted to pursue in college.