Francois Jacob

Date of Birth: June 17, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: April 19, 2013

Biography

François Jacob was a renowned French biologist who played a pivotal role in the development of molecular biology. Born on June 17, 1920, in Nancy, France, Jacob initially pursued a degree in medicine at the University of Paris. However, his studies were interrupted by World War II, during which he served with distinction in the Free French Forces. After the war, he returned to academia, eventually shifting his focus from medicine to biology. Jacob’s most significant scientific contributions came in the 1960s. Alongside Jacques Monod and André Lwoff, he conducted groundbreaking research on the genetic regulation of enzyme and virus synthesis. Their work elucidated the role of messenger RNA (mRNA) in the process of transcription and translation, fundamentally changing our understanding of gene expression. This trio was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1965 for their discoveries concerning genetic control of enzyme and virus synthesis. In addition to his scientific research, Jacob was a prolific writer, authoring several books that explored the intersection of biology, philosophy, and society. He was also an influential figure in the French scientific community, holding various academic and advisory positions until his retirement. François Jacob passed away on April 19, 2013, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the field of molecular biology.

5 Interesting Facts about Francois Jacob

1. François Jacob was part of the French Resistance during World War II and was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Médaille de la Résistance for his bravery.

2. He originally intended to become a surgeon but had to abandon this career path due to injuries sustained during the war.

3. Jacob, Monod, and Lwoff’s discovery of the operon model was a cornerstone in the field of molecular biology.

4. He authored several influential books, including “The Logic of Life” and “The Possible and the Actual.”

5. François Jacob was elected to the French Academy of Sciences in 1977 and to the Académie Française in 1996.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Francois Jacob

1. “Science is a wonderful thing if one does not have to earn one’s living at it.”

2. “To create is to discover that there is a question where there was no question.”

3. “One does not ask a scientist what he is going to do. Rather one asks him what he has done.”

4. “The dream of every cell is to become two cells.”

5. “In science, we must be interested in things, not in persons.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

François Jacob’s highest net worth is not publicly documented. As a scientist, his wealth was more intellectual and academic than financial.

Children

François Jacob had four children: Pierre, Laurent, Odile, and Henri Jacob. His daughter, Odile Jacob, is a prominent publisher and the founder of Éditions Odile Jacob.