Sidney Altman

Sidney Altman was a Canadian-American scientist who made groundbreaking discoveries in understanding how genetic information is processed within cells. He identified an enzyme called RNase P, a molecule that helps produce functional RNA and plays a crucial role in converting genetic instructions into usable forms. His work revealed the intricate mechanisms of how cells regulate gene activity, contributing significantly to molecular biology. In 1989, Altman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, sharing it for his discoveries about RNA's role beyond simply carrying genetic code—showing that RNA can also act as a catalyst in the cell.