Frederick Whatley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Whatley
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| Born | 26 January 1924 |
| Died | 14 November 2020 (aged 96) Buckinghamshire, England
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| Alma mater | Selwyn College, Cambridge |
| Known for | photosynthesis, ferredoxin, ATP, electron transport |
| Awards | Nobel Prize (1967, nominated) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Biochemistry, Botany |
| Institutions | University of Oxford |
| Academic advisors | Robin Hill |
| Notable students | Barry Halliwell |
Frederick Robert Whatley (born January 26, 1924 – died November 14, 2020) was an English scientist. He was a botanist, someone who studies plants, and a biochemist, someone who studies the chemistry of living things. He taught at the University of Oxford for many years.
In 1954, Whatley and his colleagues, Mary Belle Allen and Daniel Israel Arnon, made an important discovery. They found out how plants make energy using sunlight, a process called photophosphorylation. They were even nominated for a Nobel Prize for their work!
Early Life and Learning
Frederick Whatley was born on January 26, 1924. He went to Bishop Wordsworth's School when he was younger.
Later, he studied at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He earned his first degree and then went on to get his doctorate. In 1948, he wrote a big paper called "Enzyme Systems in the Green Leaf."
During his studies, a scientist named Dr. R. Hill helped him a lot. Dr. Hill, also known as Robin Hill, was like a mentor to Whatley. They even published a science paper together in 1952.
His Scientific Work
Frederick Whatley was famous for his research on photosynthesis. This is the amazing process where plants use sunlight to make their own food.
Early in his career, he studied something called the methaemoglobin reducing factor. This was later named ferredoxin, which is a special protein that helps move electrons in plants.
He also worked in Australia, studying how plant cells make energy. This involved understanding how plants create ATP, which is like the energy currency for living things.
Because of his important discoveries, Whatley was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1975. This is a big honor for scientists in the United Kingdom.
Later Life
Frederick Whatley passed away in Buckinghamshire, England, on November 14, 2020. He was 96 years old.
