The 1965 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to François Jacob, Jacques Monod, and André Lwoff for their fundamental discoveries regarding the genetic control of enzyme and virus synthesis. Born in 1920 in Nancy, France, Jacob pursued a multifaceted career as a physician, biochemist, and geneticist, eventually leaving a significant mark on the field of microbiology.
Early Education and Military Service
Jacob attended the Lycée Carnot in Paris for ten years. He initially contemplated higher studies at the Polytechnique, but opted for medical training at the Paris Medical Faculty after witnessing a surgical operation. During his early adulthood, he left France for Great Britain to join the war effort, serving with the medical company of the French 2nd Armored Division starting in 1940. He sustained injuries during an air attack in 1944 and returned to Paris in August of that same year. His wartime contributions were recognized with the Cross of Liberation, the Légion d'honneur, and the Croix de guerre.
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Following his return to medical school, Jacob completed a thesis on the antibiotic tyrothricin and qualified as a medical doctor in 1947. He later worked at the Cabanel Center, focusing on the production of antibiotics. His most significant scientific work took place during his tenure at the Collège de France, where he was employed from 1964 until 1991. Collaborating with Jacques Monod in 1961, Jacob explored the hypothesis that enzyme levels in cells are regulated through DNA transcription. This research identified specific proteins that function as repressors, preventing the transcription of DNA until required by environmental conditions, such as the presence of lactose in E. coli.
Honors and Later Life
Jacob received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Mendel Medal and the Grand Prix Charles-Leopold Mayer in 1962. In 1996, he was elected to seat 38 of the Académie française, where he served until his death, acting as chancellor between 2007 and 2011. He was a member of several prestigious organizations, including the Royal Society, the French Academy of Sciences, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He died in the 14th arrondissement of Paris in 2013 and was buried at Montparnasse Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1920, Nancy
- Died: 2013, 14th arrondissement of Paris
- Field of study: Microbiology
- Nobel Prize: 1965, Physiology or Medicine
- Key employer: Collège de France
- Académie française seat: 38
- Nationality: French
Questions readers ask
What was the main discovery made by François Jacob?
He discovered, along with Jacques Monod, that enzyme levels in cells are controlled by the regulation of DNA transcription via specific repressor proteins.
What military awards did he receive?
He was awarded the Cross of Liberation, the Légion d'honneur, and the Croix de guerre for his service.
Achievements
- Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
- Leeuwenhoek Lecture — 1977
- Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine — 1965
- Foreign Member of the Royal Society — 1973
- Grand Officer of the National Order of Merit
- Held posts at Collège de France
- Educated at Lycée Carnot and Paris Medical Faculty
- Fields of research: microbiology
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