Biochemistry at Peking University:A Historical Perspective
10.13865/j.cnki.cjbmb.2024.12.1484
- VernacularTitle:生物化学在北京大学的发展历史回顾
- Author:
Sheng-Geng ZHU
1
Author Information
1. 北京大学生命科学学院,北京 100871
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
biochemistry;
development history;
major establishment;
education plan;
research achieve-ments;
social service
- From:
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
2025;41(1):22-30
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
In 1952,China carried out departmental adjustments among universities to strengthen its higher education.In 1953,a specialized program on Biochemistry was established within the Specialty of Human and Animal Physiology at Peking University,and a Biochemistry Teaching and Research Division was then set up.In 1956,the first biochemistry major was established in Peking University among all the comprehensive universities in China.The biochemistry teaching emphasized its foundation in both biology and chemistry,and tried to educate students with sound foundations,sufficient practices,and great inspi-ration.The research work focused on three key areas:protein structures and functions,neurobiology,and nucleic acid functions.Dr.Zhang Longxiang's protein research group was the first to chemically synthesize an octapeptide in China and to determine the changes in chemical structure and properties of trypsin after its autocleavage.They also determined the amino acid sequence of the lactate dehydrogenase M-chain of giant panda for the purpose of proposing a new classification system on these animals.Later,research on protein molecular design was conducted,on the basis of which the State Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering was established at Peking University.Xu Changfa and Ru Binggen constructed a new type of guided thrombolytic agent through protein engineering.Shen Tong and Wang Jingyan studied the metabolism of animal brains under low temperature and hypoxia conditions,and Dr.Wang Jingyan also studied neuropeptides.Drs.Shen Tong and Zhu Shenggeng developed various methods for isolating and purifying nucleic acids.Via the integration of genetic information through retrotransposons,Zhu Shenggeng isolated multiple specific antigens and antibodies by utilizing the phage display technique.Dr.Chen Tongdu investigated the changes in chemical structure and properties during protein denaturation,nutriology as well as the redox reactions in biology.Dr.Wang Zhimei assisted Dr.Chen Tongdu in con-tinuing Dr.Hsien Wu's research on protein denaturation.The Biochemistry Teaching and Research Di-vision also attached great importance in serving the society,including its great efforts in training teachers for other universities and organizing the China-United States Biochemistry Examination and application(CUSBEA)program,as well as publishing a biochemistry textbook widely used in China since 1980.During the reform and opening up period of China,a large number of young faculty members joined the biochemistry department of Peking University,and the role of research groups has been fully appreciated,resulting in a series of new achievements in biochemistry teaching and research.However,biochemistry is facing significant conceptual changes and needs new ideas and methodologies.Therefore,it remains important to organize the faculty members into teaching and research unit for more effective teaching and research.
