Interpreter of Cellular Energy
A biochemist who asked how energy passes between reactions. Phosphate transfer and coenzyme A helped him connect the chemistry of fuel with the work of the cell.
Interpreter of Cellular Energy
Lipmann worked in the research world of Meyerhof and Warburg. His questions moved toward the chemical means by which cells couple energy-releasing processes to work.
His work on energy-rich phosphate compounds helped establish ATP as a common carrier of chemical energy. The important idea was transfer: how reactions could be linked, rather than treated as isolated events.
Investigations of acetyl transfer led to coenzyme A and its importance in intermediary metabolism. Lipmann’s Nobel lecture tells this story as a personal account of an experimental problem unfolding.
His 1953 prize was shared with Hans Krebs. Their discoveries meet at the pathways through which cells process fuel.
1953-12-11
Lipmann's Nobel Lecture recounting the work that led to coenzyme A and its role in acetyl transfer.Read1953-12-10
Lipmann's Nobel Banquet address on scientific discovery and the public value of fundamental research.Read1953
Official Nobel award record for the discovery of coenzyme A and its importance in intermediary metabolism.Read1953-12-10
Official presentation framing the complementary discoveries of Krebs's cycle and Lipmann's coenzyme A.Read
Otto MeyerhofThe chemistry of muscle as an experimental foundation
Hans KrebsTwo complementary discoveries in metabolism
Peter MitchellAnother mechanism for coupling energy to work
