8000 BCE
Neolithic Chinese Fermentation
Earliest evidence of rice wine and fermented beverages in Jiahu, China, indicating early use of enzymatic catalysis by molds and yeasts. #biochemistry #history
Chronological Storyline (33 Milestones)
3000 BCE
Sumerian Beer Brewing
Sumerian cuneiform tablets describe beer brewing using malted barley, a process driven by amylases and other enzymes. #biochemistry #history
1550 BCE
Egyptian Ebers Papyrus on Fermentation
The Ebers Papyrus describes medicinal preparations using fermented grains and fruits, referencing early knowledge of enzymatic processes. #biochemistry #history
By PEbers_c41.jpg: Einsamer Schütze derivative work: Photohound (talk) - This file was derived from: PEbers c41.jpg:, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18511551
500 BCE
Chinese Use of Qu (Mold) for Fermentation
Chinese texts from the Zhou dynasty mention the use of qu, a mixed culture of molds and yeasts, to ferment grains for alcoholic beverages and vinegar. #biochemistry #history )
300 BCE
Theophrastus on Plant Fermentation
Greek philosopher Theophrastus describes the fermentation of plant juices, recognizing the transformation of substances through natural agents. #biochemistry #history
By Teofrasto_Orto_botanico_PA.jpg: tato grasso derivative work: Singinglemon (talk) - Teofrasto_Orto_botanico_PA.jpg, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5927179
800 CE
Jabir ibn Hayyan's Distillation and Fermentation
Islamic alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan extensively described distillation and fermentation processes, laying groundwork for later enzyme studies. #biochemistry #history
By Unknown author - https://cdn.britannica.com/10/132710-050-CECF006B/illustration-manuscript-Abu-Musa-Jabir-ibn-Hayyan.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=166835469
1200 CE
Chinese Medical Use of Enzymes
Traditional Chinese medicine texts, such as the works of Li Shizhen, document the use of fermented medicines and digestive aids that unknowingly rely on enzymes. #biochemistry #history
By →AzaToth - self made based on PDB entry, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68596
1833 CE
Anselme Payen Discovers Diastase
French chemist Anselme Payen isolates diastase (amylase) from malt, the first recognition of an enzyme. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Jean Baptiste Adolphe Lafosse - [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2573381
1857 CE
Pasteur Shows Fermentation is Microbial
Louis Pasteur demonstrates that fermentation is caused by living microorganisms, linking biology to biochemistry. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Paul Nadar - File:Louis Pasteur, foto av Paul Nadar.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28039885
1878 CE
Wilhelm Kühne Coins 'Enzyme'
German physiologist Wilhelm Kühne introduces the term 'enzyme' (from Greek 'enzymos' meaning leavened). #biochemistry #enzymes
By Carl Lange Heidelberg - HeidICON via Prometheus, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64103923
1894 CE
Emil Fischer Proposes Lock-and-Key Model
German chemist Emil Fischer suggests the lock-and-key model for enzyme-substrate specificity. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Unknown author - https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/obf_images/29/85/3104172da6b66ab0d72a53a71f82.jpg Gallery: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/image/V0027668.html Wellcome Collection gallery (2018-03-23): https://wellcomecollection.org/works/pbekk7qp CC-BY-4.0, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=180238528
1897 CE
Eduard Buchner Demonstrates Cell-Free Fermentation
Eduard Buchner shows that yeast extract can ferment sugar without living cells, proving enzymes are responsible. He wins the 1907 Nobel Prize. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Unknown author - http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/chemistry/laureates/1907/buchner.html, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18253176
1901 CE
Takamine Isolates Adrenaline from Microbial Fermentation
Japanese chemist Jokichi Takamine isolates adrenaline (epinephrine) using microbial fermentation processes, a milestone in biochemical extraction. #biochemistry #japan
By AnonymousUnknown author - Science history Institute [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8462606
1909 CE
Soren Sorensen Invents pH Scale
Danish chemist Soren Sorensen develops the pH scale, essential for studying enzyme activity and protein chemistry. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Unknown author - Polytech Photos. Scientific photodatabase, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5975361
1926 CE
Sumner Crystallizes Urease
American chemist James B. Sumner crystallizes urease, proving that enzymes are proteins. He shares the 1946 Nobel Prize. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Unknown author - http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/chemistry/laureates/1946/sumner.html, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18260359
1928 CE
Fleming Discovers Lysozyme
Alexander Fleming discovers lysozyme, an enzyme found in tears and mucus that has antibacterial properties. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Yikrazuul - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=204021
1930 CE
Northrop and Kunitz Crystallize Pepsin and Trypsin
John H. Northrop and Moses Kunitz crystallize digestive enzymes pepsin and trypsin, further establishing the protein nature of enzymes. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Unknown author - http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/chemistry/laureates/1946/northrop.html, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18260391
1955 CE
Sanger Determines Insulin Sequence
Frederick Sanger determines the amino acid sequence of insulin, the first protein sequenced, enabling studies of enzyme structure-function. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1249932
1958 CE
Kendrew Solves Myoglobin Structure
John Kendrew determines the first three-dimensional structure of myoglobin, an oxygen-binding protein, using X-ray crystallography. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Unknown author - http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/chemistry/laureates/1962/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18334629
1961 CE
Monod, Jacob, Changeux Propose Allosteric Regulation
Jacques Monod, François Jacob, and Jean-Pierre Changeux introduce the concept of allosteric regulation of enzymes, a key mechanism in metabolic control. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Tenthkrige (talk). Tenthkrige - Own work (Original text: I (Tenthkrige (talk)) created this work entirely by myself.), CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=85816837
1963 CE
Ramachandran Proposes Protein Folding Model
Indian biophysicist G.N. Ramachandran develops the Ramachandran plot, a foundational tool for understanding protein and enzyme structure. #biochemistry #india
1965 CE
Williams Proposes Drug Metabolism Phases
British biochemist R. Teclin Williams outlines Phase I and Phase II drug metabolism mediated by enzymes like cytochrome P450. #biochemistry #enzymes
1972 CE
Berg Creates First Recombinant DNA with Restriction Enzymes
Paul Berg constructs the first recombinant DNA molecule using restriction enzymes and DNA ligase, launching genetic engineering. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Unknown author - http://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/CD/B/B/L/L/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3702286
1978 CE
Restriction Enzymes Discovered
Werner Arber, Hamilton Smith, and Daniel Nathans discover restriction enzymes, earning the Nobel Prize. These enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences. #biochemistry #enzymes
1982 CE
Cech Discovers Ribozymes
Thomas Cech discovers that RNA can act as a catalyst (ribozyme), challenging the dogma that only proteins are enzymes. He shares the 1989 Nobel Prize. #biochemistry #enzymes
By William G. Scott - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2257831
1987 CE
Mullis Invents PCR Using Taq Polymerase
Kary Mullis develops the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a heat-stable DNA polymerase (Taq), revolutionizing molecular biology. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Madprime - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2104468
1990 CE
First Human Gene Therapy Trial Using Viral Enzymes
The first approved human gene therapy trial uses retroviral vectors to treat adenosine deaminase deficiency, an enzyme deficiency disorder. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Ciencias Españolas KoS - File:ADN_2.png File:Pince_a_épiler.png, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75624775
1994 CE
Protein Data Bank Established
The Protein Data Bank (PDB) is established as a global repository for 3D structures of biological macromolecules, including enzymes. #biochemistry #enzymes
2000 CE
Human Genome Project Draft
The first draft of the human genome is published, identifying thousands of genes encoding enzymes and enabling systems biochemistry. #biochemistry #enzymes
By U.S. Department of Energy, Human Genome Project - http://www.ornl.gov/hgmis, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2485616
2002 CE
Directed Evolution of Enzymes (Frances Arnold)
Frances Arnold pioneers directed evolution of enzymes, creating novel catalysts with industrial applications. She wins the 2018 Nobel Prize. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Thomas Shafee - Thomas, Shafee, (2014). "Evolvability of a viral protease: experimental evolution of catalysis, robustness and specificity". PhD Thesis. University of Cambridge., CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37193303
2009 CE
CRISPR-Cas9 Discovered as Bacterial Immune System
The CRISPR-Cas9 system, an RNA-guided DNA endonuclease, is characterized as a bacterial adaptive immune system by scientists including Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Boghog - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68597347
2018 CE
Arnold Wins Nobel for Enzyme Evolution
Frances Arnold receives the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the directed evolution of enzymes, alongside George Smith and Gregory Winter for phage display of antibodies. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Christopher Michel - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=114693578
2020 CE
AlphaFold Revolutionizes Protein Structure Prediction
DeepMind's AlphaFold uses deep learning to predict protein structures with high accuracy, dramatically impacting enzyme design and drug discovery. #biochemistry #enzymes
By Kathryn Tunyasuvunakool, Jonas Adler, Zachary Wu, Tim Green, Michal Zielinski, Augustin Žídek, Alex Bridgland, Andrew Cowie, Clemens Meyer, Agata Laydon, Sameer Velanka *, Gerard J Kleywegt *, Alex Bateman *, Richard Evans, Alexander Pritzel, Michael Figurnov, Olaf Ronneberger, Russ Bates, Simon A. A. Kohl, Anna Potapenko, Andrew J Ballard, Bernardino Romera-Paredes, Stanislav Nikolov, Rishub Jain, Ellen Clancy, David Reiman, Stig Petersen, Andrew Senior, Koray Kavukcuoglu, Ewan Birney *, Pushmeet Kohli, John Jumper, Demis Hassabis - https://deepmind.google/blog/enabling-high-accuracy-protein-structure-prediction-at-the-proteome-scale/, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=188769148