Hugo Theorell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hugo Theorell
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| Born | 6 July 1903 |
| Died | 15 August 1982 (aged 79) |
| Nationality | Swedish |
| Awards | Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1955) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Biochemistry |
Axel Hugo Theodor Theorell (6 July 1903 – 15 August 1982) was a Swedish scientist. He won the famous Nobel Prize in medicine for his important discoveries.
Early Life and Education
Hugo Theorell was born in Linköping, Sweden. His parents were Thure Theorell and Armida Bill. He went to high school at Katedralskolan in Linköping. He finished school on May 23, 1921.
In September 1921, Hugo started studying medicine. He went to the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. By 1924, he had earned his Bachelor of Medicine degree. After that, he spent three months in Paris, France. He studied bacteriology (the study of tiny living things called bacteria) at the Pasteur Institute. His teacher there was Professor Albert Calmette.
In 1930, Hugo Theorell earned his M.D. degree. His research was about the fats in blood. After getting his degree, he became a professor. He taught about the chemistry of living things at the Karolinska Institute.
Discovering Enzymes and the Nobel Prize
Hugo Theorell spent his whole career studying enzymes. Enzymes are like tiny helpers in our bodies. They make chemical reactions happen very quickly.
In 1955, Theorell won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. He received this award for finding a group of enzymes called oxidoreductases. He also studied how these enzymes work. His work also showed how a substance called sodium fluoride can affect important human enzymes.
In 1936, he became the head of a new department. This was the Biochemical Department of the Nobel Medical Institute. He was the first researcher from this institute to win a Nobel Prize. His research also led to big steps forward in understanding alcohol dehydrogenases. These are enzymes that help break down alcohol in the liver and other parts of the body.
Hugo Theorell received special honorary degrees. These were from universities in France, Belgium, Brazil, and the United States. He was also a member of important science groups. These included the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the United States National Academy of Sciences.
Later Life
Hugo Theorell passed away in Stockholm. He is buried in Norra Begravningsplatsen (The Northern Cemetery). His wife, Elin Margit Elisabeth Theorell, is buried there too. She was a talented pianist and harpsichordist. She passed away in 2002.
