Feodor Lynen, a German biochemist, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1964 for his groundbreaking discoveries in cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism. His research focused on understanding the chemical analysis of metabolic processes in living cells and the mechanisms of metabolic regulation. Lynen’s significant contribution to science includes the discovery of the chemical structure of acetyl coenzyme A, a molecule crucial in metabolism. He began his academic journey at the University of Munich, where he obtained his PhD and later became a chemistry lecturer. Lynen went on to serve as an assistant professor and eventually a professor of biochemistry at the university. He was appointed as the director of the Max-Planck Institute for Cellular Chemistry in Munich. In addition to the Nobel Prize, Lynen received numerous other awards and honors for his scientific contributions, including the Otto Warburg Medal and the Norman Medal. He was also recognized with the Grand Cross of Merit with Star and Sash of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Pour le Mérite for Science and Art, and the Austrian Decoration for Science and Art.
Quick Facts
- German Celebrities Born In April
- Also Known As: Feodor Lynen
- Died At Age: 68
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Eva Wieland
- Father: Wilhelm Lynen
- Mother: Frieda Lynen
- Children: Annemarie, Eva-Maria, Heinrich, Peter
- Biochemists
- German Men
- Died on: August 6, 1979
- Place of death: Munich, Germany
- Cause of Death: Surgery Complications
- City: Munich, Germany
- More Facts:
- Education: Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Awards: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1964), Fellow of the Royal Society
Childhood & Early Life
Feodor Lynen was born on April 6, 1911, in Munich, Germany, as the seventh child of Wilhelm Lynen and Frieda Lynen. His father was a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Munich. He completed his high school education at Luitpold-Gymnasium in Munich. In 1930, he enrolled at the University of Munich in the chemistry department, following his interest in chemistry. During his time at the university, he came under the guidance of renowned professors like Heinrich Wieland, Walter Gerlach, Kasimir Fajans, and Otto Hönigschmidt. Heinrich Wieland, a Nobel Laureate for chemistry, had a significant impact on Lynen and introduced him to the field of biochemistry. He completed his PhD on February 12, 1937, with his work on “On the Toxic Substances in Amanita”.
Career
Throughout the Second World War, Lynen remained in Germany and did not leave his country. In 1942, he joined the University of Munich as a chemistry lecturer and was later promoted to assistant professor in 1947. From 1953 onwards, he served as a professor of biochemistry at the university. He remained associated with the university until his death and supervised the research work of around ninety students, many of whom achieved great success in academia or industry.
In the 1940s, Lynen began examining the process by which living cells transform simple chemical compounds into complex molecules like lipids and sterols, which are essential for maintaining life. After the Second World War, he started publishing his own scientific findings and became aware of similar research being conducted by Konrad Bloch in the US. The two scientists began sharing their findings with each other.
In 1951, Lynen published a paper elucidating the first step in the series of reactions that lead to the creation of cholesterol. He discovered the importance of a compound called acetyl-coenzyme A in initiating the chemical chain reaction. This finding not only aided his further research but also established his international reputation. He also discovered the role of biotin, a water-soluble Vitamin B7, in the process.
Lynen and Konrad Bloch independently examined and confirmed the sequence of steps used by animal cells to synthesize cholesterol. They discovered that the body first forms squalene from acetate, which is then converted to cholesterol. Lynen’s discoveries related to the mechanics and control of cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism highlighted the significance of cholesterol in the human body and contributed to further research on its effects on stroke and other heart-related ailments.
In 1954, Lynen became the director of the Max-Planck Institute for Cellular Chemistry in Munich. He held this position until his death. He also served as the President of Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh), a scholarly society and professional body representing the interests of German chemists, in 1972.
Major Works
Lynen’s discoveries related to the mechanics and control of cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism showed the significance of cholesterol in the human body. His research contributed to further understanding the effects of cholesterol on stroke and other heart-related ailments.
Awards & Achievements
In 1964, Feodor Lynen was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine along with German American biochemist Konrad Bloch.
Personal Life & Legacy
Feodor Lynen married Eva Wieland, the daughter of his professor Heinrich Wieland, on May 14, 1937. They had five children together. Lynen passed away on August 6, 1979, in Munich and was buried in Lock Leutstetten, Germany.
Trivia
The Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship was established by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in his honor.