The 112th birthday of Indian scientist Kamala Sohonie is remembered by a Google Doodle.
Biochemist Kamala Sohonie from India made important advances in the field of science. She was born on March 14, 1912, in Bombay, India, and was the first woman to earn a degree in biochemistry from the University of Bombay. Sohonie’s work focused on the study of enzymes, which are essential proteins that catalyze chemical reactions in living organisms.
Sohonie’s interest in science began at a young age, and she went on to pursue her passion by studying biochemistry at the University of Bombay. After earning her degree, Sohonie went on to complete her Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of Cambridge in England. Her research at Cambridge focused on the study of enzymes, specifically the enzyme invertase, which is found in yeast.
After completing her Ph.D., Sohonie returned to India and began working at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. She continued her research on enzymes and made significant contributions to the field. Sohonie’s work on the enzyme diastase, which is found in malt, was particularly groundbreaking. She was the first scientist to isolate and purify diastase, and her research helped to advance the understanding of how enzymes work.
Sohonie’s work on enzymes also had practical applications. Her research on diastase led to the development of a new method for measuring the activity of enzymes, which is still used today. Sohonie’s work on enzymes was also important for the brewing industry, as it helped to improve the quality of beer by ensuring that the enzymes in malt were working properly.
In addition to her scientific work, Sohonie was also a trailblazer for women in science. She was the first woman to earn a PhD in science from the University of Cambridge, and the first woman to work at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. Sohonie’s achievements paved the way for other women to pursue careers in science, and she remains an inspiration to many young women in India and around the world.
Sohonie’s contributions to science were recognized with numerous awards and honors. She was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in 1962, and was elected a fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences in 1970. Sohonie’s legacy continues to inspire scientists and researchers today, and her work on enzymes remains an important part of the field of biochemistry.
In conclusion, Kamala Sohonie was a pioneering scientist who made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry.