How Enzymes Handle the Energy Derived from the Cleavage of High-energy Phosphate Compounds

摘要: I was accepted at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Medical School when seventeen years old. At that time, absolutely sure going to be a surgeon. One year later, received an offer for fellowship work in research laboratory. This originally had not been part my future professional plan, but desperately need source income, so joined laboratory age eighteen. During medical school course Janeiro, lived hormonal tempest typical youth, and certainties were shaken badly. soon discovered did have much either surgery or clinical practice, interest science increased. M.D. degree 1961, twenty-three old, it time decide what do with life. With significant uncertainty, opted research. Fortunately, excellent supervisors who smoothed out rite passage into science. As student worked Walter Oswaldo Cruz (Fig. 1) his laboratory, shortly after receiving degree, went National Institutes Health (NIH) Bethesda, where good fortune Herbert Celia Tabor 2) eighteen months. When returned vocation science. yet one could call scientist, basic skills begin career. FIGURE 1. Walter Cruz, tutor during initial period as student. FIGURE 2. Herbert Tabor, tutors postdoctoral training NIH Bethesda. They taught me biochemistry is. About Science Scientists My major throughout has mechanism by which enzymes interconvert different forms energy. involves concept high- low-energy phosphate compounds way some proteins regulate how energy available can used perform is converted heat. first started research, thought myself physiologist biochemistry. If someone told he subjects just described, initially would difficulty understanding saying. believed required solid physicochemical training, have. also application this sort related only remotely possible applications, always hoped contribute. juvenile reasoning proved completely wrong. Like any dedicated researcher, awards work, sources these often unexpected. For example, once made honorary member Brazilian Academy Medicine, thought, “I am ignored doctors.” home, announced still all, second wife 3), two sons, daughters, all practice various fields, burst laughter. felt their reaction cruel, deep down, agree them because researcher. then nice international award chemistry, later quoted several articles published journals physics. No home laughed accomplishments; on contrary, they said, “Bravo, Papa!” FIGURE 3. My wife, Vivian Rumjanek, me. She immunologist. My Regina, geologist. We daughters unfortunately, she died early age. As passed maturity quieted emotions, realized itself important, whether categorized medicine, whatever. working, there are magic moments suddenly unravels new finding sensation small facet nature. The magical moment short duration, cleared up substantiated controls. Then comes tedious part: writing paper, submitting publication, waiting know if accepted, and, times, enduring rudeness bad-tempered referee until finally published. stage, faded away, goes struggling discover something hopes more feeling discovery, no matter field may be. In search, main tool frequently intuition (1). think scientists addicts those glorious follow hope again thrill endure long hours investigating whatever subject suggests. I three interests profession: education, social studies (1–3). most life university professor select undergraduate students courses medicine biology. As education increased, organize experimental universities young equivalent high level United States. These people live lower income neighborhoods periphery cannot afford proper necessary attend university. totally free, best invited under supervision M.Sc. Ph.D. eventually enter public universities, which, Brazil, free charge. receive stipend educational materials need. Many graduated gone earn doctorate degrees obtained positions. system spread whole country, government now allocating funds activity form grants. writer Malcolm Bradbury, romance about history, wrote although grew older over years, found true, case, expand from fifteen twenty-five experience great help educating own four children led active sociology. article, will refer bioenergetics leave affair another opportunity.