Szent-Györgyi, Albert von Nagyrapolt

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Hungarian-born US biochemist who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1937 for his investigation of biological oxidation processes and of the action of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

In 1928 Szent-Györgyi isolated a substance from the adrenal glands that he named hexuronic acid; he also found it in oranges and paprika, and in 1932 proved it to be vitamin C.

Szent-Györgyi also studied the uptake of oxygen by muscle tissue. In 1940 he isolated two kinds of muscle protein, actin and myosin, and named the combined compound actinomyosin. When adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is added to it, a change takes place in the relationship of the two components which results in the contraction of the muscle. When a muscle contracts, myosin and actin move in relation to one another powered by energy released by hydrolysis of ATP and elevated levels of calcium in the muscle cells.

In the 1960s Szent-Györgyi began studying the thymus gland, and isolated several compounds from the thymus that seem to be involved in the control of growth.

The blue star signifies the purity and honesty of the life of the country. The red star represents authority and law. Effective date: 4 June 1904. >>