Sir John Cowdery Kendrew was an English molecular biologist, born on March 24, 1917, in Oxford, England, and died on August 23, 1997, in Cambridge, England. He is renowned for his significant contributions to the field of structural biology, particularly his pioneering work in determining the structure of proteins using X-ray crystallography.
Kendrew's groundbreaking research focused on elucidating the three-dimensional structures of proteins, which are vital molecules involved in numerous biological processes. He employed X-ray crystallography, a technique that involves analyzing the diffraction pattern produced by X-rays passing through a crystallized protein sample. This enabled him to determine the position of the atoms within the protein and eventually construct its precise three-dimensional structure.
His most notable achievement came in 1958 when he successfully determined the structure of myoglobin, a protein responsible for oxygen storage in muscle tissues. This groundbreaking discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1962, which he shared with Max Perutz, his colleague and collaborator at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge.
Kendrew's work not only provided invaluable insights into protein structures but also laid the foundation for the field of structural biology, enabling further research on the structure-function relationship of proteins. His contributions revolutionized our understanding of biological molecules, ultimately leading to significant advancements in fields such as drug design, biochemistry, and medicine.
In addition to his scientific achievements, Kendrew also served as the Director-General of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) from 1974 to 1982, where he played a crucial role in developing and promoting molecular biology in Europe. His legacy as a brilliant scientist and influential figure in molecular biology continues to serve as an inspiration to future generations of scientists
