Architect of genetic code
Dr Har Gobind Khorana was a pioneering biochemist whose groundbreaking work on nucleotides and protein synthesis revolutionised our understanding of the genetic code. Born in Raipur, Punjab (now in Pakistan) on January 9, 1922, Khorana grew up in a humble family with limited resources. His father, a clerk in the British Indian government, instilled a strong belief in the power of education. Despite the lack of formal schooling in their village, Khorana excelled academically, eventually earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in chemistry from Punjab University.
His academic journey took him to the University of Liverpool in the UK, where he earned his PhD in 1948. His postdoctoral work at the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule in Zurich, Switzerland, under Nobel laureate Vladimir Prelog, deepened his interest in organic chemistry and biochemistry. In 1952, he moved to the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, where he began investigating the molecular structure of nucleic acids, laying the groundwork for his later discoveries.
Khorana's most influential work came in the field of genetics, specifically in deciphering the structure of DNA and how it codes for proteins. At the time, scientists knew that DNA contained genetic information but lacked an understanding of how this information translated into functional proteins. Khorana’s research revealed how sequences of nucleotides in DNA and RNA encode amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. This discovery was instrumental in decoding the genetic code, which describes how the sequence of nucleotides corresponds to specific amino acids.
In 1968, Khorana shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Robert W Holley and Marshall W Nirenberg for their contributions to deciphering the genetic code. This monumental achievement reshaped molecular biology, providing the foundation for modern genetics and biotechnology.
Beyond this, Khorana achieved another milestone in 1972 when he and his team synthesised an artificial gene, a groundbreaking feat that opened new possibilities in genetic engineering and biotechnology. This work paved the way for innovations in fields such as gene therapy, synthetic biology and genetic modification.
Khorana’s career also took him to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1970, where he served as the Alfred P Sloan professor of biology and chemistry. At MIT, he continued his research on cell membranes, signal transduction, and molecular biology, mentoring future generations of scientists who carried his legacy forward.
Dr Khorana’s contributions have had a lasting impact on multiple scientific fields, from medical genetics to biotechnology. His work not only deepened our understanding of the molecular basis of life but also opened up new realms of possibility for scientific innovation.
Dr Har Gobind Khorana passed away on November 9, 2011, at the age of 89. His extraordinary journey from a small village in India to a Nobel laureate exemplifies the power of curiosity, determination and scientific discovery in shaping the future. His legacy continues to inspire and drive advances in genetics and biotechnology to this day.
