Otto Heinrich Warburg

Date of Birth: October 8, 1883

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: August 1, 1970

Biography

Otto Heinrich Warburg was a renowned German physiologist, medical doctor, and Nobel laureate. He is best known for his research on cellular respiration, particularly his work on the metabolism of tumors and the respiration of cancer cells, which led to the discovery of the “Warburg effect.” Warburg was born into a distinguished family; his father, Emil Warburg, was a prominent physicist. Otto studied chemistry under Emil Fischer and earned his medical degree from the University of Berlin. Throughout his career, Warburg worked at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Cell Physiology, where he made significant contributions to the understanding of cellular metabolism and cancer biology. His groundbreaking research earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1931. Warburg’s work laid the foundation for much of modern biochemistry and oncology.

5 Interesting Facts about Otto Heinrich Warburg

1. Otto Warburg was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1931 for his discovery of the nature and mode of action of the respiratory enzyme.

2. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize 47 times over his career, a testament to his prolific contributions to science.

3. Warburg’s research led to the identification of the Warburg effect, a phenomenon in which cancer cells produce energy through a high rate of glycolysis followed by lactic acid fermentation, even in the presence of oxygen.

4. He was a member of the German nobility and held the title of “Reichsfreiherr” (Imperial Baron).

5. Despite being of Jewish descent, Warburg was spared by the Nazi regime due to his invaluable contributions to science and the intervention of influential officials.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Otto Heinrich Warburg

1. “Cancer, above all other diseases, has countless secondary causes. But, even for cancer, there is only one prime cause. Summarized in a few words, the prime cause of cancer is the replacement of the respiration of oxygen in normal body cells by a fermentation of sugar.”

2. “The cause of cancer is no longer a mystery; we know it occurs whenever any cell is denied 60% of its oxygen requirements.”

3. “Nobody today can say that one cannot build a large and heavy molecule like hemoglobin in a cell.”

4. “The natural sciences, particularly the biological sciences, stand at the center of world interest.”

5. “The prevention of cancer requires no government help, no special laboratories and no new scientific knowledge. It requires only a change in the diet.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Otto Warburg’s work was primarily academic, and he did not achieve significant personal wealth from his research. As such, his net worth is not well-documented. However, his contributions to science have had immeasurable value.