John Lederberg

John Lederberg was an American microbiologist renowned for his groundbreaking work in genetics and microbiology, particularly in relation to bacterial mutations. He won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1958 for his research on how bacteria exchange genetic material, which laid the foundation for understanding antibiotic resistance and the evolution of microbes. Lederberg’s contributions have had a significant impact on medicine and public health, helping to advance fields like genetic engineering, microbiology, and infectious disease control. His work emphasized the importance of molecular genetics in understanding life at a cellular level.