American biochemist who received the 1961 Nobel Prize for Chemistry
for his discovery of the chemical pathways of photosynthesis. Calvin began his work on photosynthesis in the mid-1940s. For his studies
he developed a system of using the radioactive isotope carbon-14 as
a tracer element in the green alga Chlorella. By arresting the plant's
growth at various stages and measuring the tiny amounts of radioactive
compounds present, Calvin was able to identify most of the reactions
involved in the intermediate steps of photosynthesis. His research also
included work in radiation chemistry, the biochemistry of learning,
processes leading to the origin of life, and using plant oils as a petroleum
substitute. |
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