The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2004
A large gene family Axel and Buck searched for genes coding for proteins expressed exclusively in the olfactory epithelium. Using molecular biology techniques they discovered a large set of genes coding for olfactory receptors. This large gene family is composed of several hundred different genes encoding receptor molecules. Today we know that these genes represent around three per cent of the total number of genes in mammals. |
Nobel Prizes and laureates
Six prizes were awarded for achievements that have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind. The 12 laureates' work and discoveries range from proteins' structures and machine learning to fighting for a world free of nuclear weapons.
See them all presented here.