Sidney Altman is a Canadian-American molecular biologist and biochemist known for his groundbreaking research in the field of RNA biology. He was born on May 7, 1939, in Montreal, Canada.

Key Contributions and Achievements:

1. Discovery of Ribozymes: Altman is best known for his discovery of ribozymes, which are RNA molecules capable of catalyzing specific chemical reactions. Before his discovery, it was widely believed that only proteins could act as enzymes, but Altman’s work demonstrated that RNA could also perform enzymatic functions.
2. Nobel Prize in Chemistry: In 1989, Sidney Altman, along with Thomas R. Cech, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their independent discoveries of catalytic properties of RNA. Altman’s work on ribozymes had a profound impact on the understanding of RNA’s role in cellular processes.
3. RNA Processing: Altman also conducted influential research on RNA processing, particularly on the processing of transfer RNA (tRNA). His work shed light on the enzymatic steps involved in the maturation of tRNA molecules.
4. Academic Career: Altman held several academic positions throughout his career, including at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Yale University. He contributed to the training and mentoring of numerous scientists in the field of RNA biology.
5. RNA World Hypothesis: Altman’s discoveries, especially the existence of ribozymes, provided strong support for the “RNA World Hypothesis,” which posits that early life forms relied on RNA for both information storage and catalytic activities before the emergence of protein-based life.
6. Continued Research: Altman continued his research in RNA biology and related fields, making further contributions to the understanding of RNA function and its role in gene expression and regulation.

Sidney Altman’s discovery of ribozymes and his research on RNA processing have had a profound impact on the field of molecular biology. His work has not only advanced our understanding of fundamental biological processes but also opened up new possibilities for the development of RNA-based therapeutics and technologies. His contributions to the field continue to be recognized and celebrated by the scientific community.