Description
Collection documents Kornberg's work concerning the synthesis of DNA in the laboratory, as
well as the synthetic pathways of nucleotides, and includes correspondence, 1947 to 1982;
research lab notebooks, 1947 to 1969 (which include those studies for which he received the
Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1959); coursework, lectures, and seminars; Stanford University
Departmental records; records concerning professional organizations; and reprints, glass
research slides, and audiotapes.
Background
With a research career spanning more than sixty years, Arthur Kornberg made many
outstanding contributions to molecular biology. He was the first to isolate DNA polymerase,
the enzyme that assembles DNA from its components, and the first to synthesize DNA in a test
tube, which earned him a Nobel Prize in 1959. He later became the first to replicate an
infective virus DNA in vitro. He was the primary architect and first chairman of the
Department of Biochemistry at the Stanford University School of Medicine, which under his
guidance became a preeminent center for DNA research, including recombinant DNA research.
Starting in the 1980s, Kornberg also played a key role in establishing productive ties
between academic science and the biotechnology industry.
Extent
64.75 Linear Feet
and 400 megabytes
Restrictions
Property rights reside with the repository. Literary rights reside with the creators of the
documents or their heirs. To obtain permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the
Public Services Librarian of the Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives.
Availability
Search files and other personnel files are restricted. Other materials are open for
research use. Audio-visual materials are not available in original format, and must be
reformatted to a digital use copy.