Andrew David McLachlan facts for kids

Andrew David McLachlan (born January 25, 1935 – died July 8, 2022) was a smart British scientist. He explored two big fields: theoretical chemistry and molecular biology.

He first studied mathematics at the University of Cambridge. Later, he became interested in theoretical chemistry. Here, he researched something called electron spin, which is about how tiny particles called electrons behave.

A Scientist's Journey

After his time at Cambridge and the Caltech university, Andrew McLachlan moved into molecular biology. This happened in 1967 when he joined the MRC LMB.

Discovering Proteins

At the MRC LMB, he first worked with another famous scientist, Max Perutz. They studied haemoglobin, which is a very important protein in our blood. Haemoglobin helps carry oxygen around our bodies.

Later, McLachlan started looking at other types of proteins. He studied their "sequence" (the order of their building blocks) and their "structure" (how they are shaped). Understanding these things helps us know how proteins work. One protein he studied was tropomyosin, which is found in our muscles.

Andrew McLachlan retired from his scientific work in 2006.

Honored for His Work

In 1989, Andrew McLachlan was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very special honor for top scientists in the United Kingdom.