Contents
Alec Todd
Determining the chemistry of nucleotides and their coenzymes.
ATP and FAD · DNA backbone
- Born
- 2 October 1907
- Birthplace
- Glasgow
- Died
- 10 January 1997
More people
Alec Todd
British biochemist whose work clarified molecules central to nucleic acids and cellular energy. He received the 1957 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Early life
Glasgow education
Attended Allan Glen’s School and Glasgow University before doctorates in Frankfurt and Oxford. His early research examined bile-acid chemistry.
Career
- 1938
Manchester chair
Began research on nucleosides as professor of chemistry.
- 1944
Cambridge
Took the chemistry chair he held until 1971.
- 1957
Nobel Prize
Was honoured for nucleotide research.
Contributions
ATP and FAD
Synthesised important nucleotide-containing molecules.
DNA backbone
Helped determine how sugars and phosphates link in nucleic acids.
Beyond work
Family
Married Alison Sarah Dale in 1937. They had a son and two daughters; her father was physiologist Henry Hallett Dale.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and career ↗Biographical references ↗Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.