Kendrew's work on proteins

Kendrew's work was pivotal in revealing the three-dimensional structure of proteins, specifically hemoglobin. Using a technique called X-ray crystallography, he directed X-ray beams at crystallized hemoglobin, capturing diffraction patterns that revealed the molecule's shape. This detailed understanding showed how proteins fold into specific structures essential for their function, such as transporting oxygen in blood. Kendrew's pioneering research laid the groundwork for modern structural biology, allowing scientists to understand how proteins work at a molecular level and aiding in drug development and disease research.