Genetics

We put genetics under the microscope.

Upgrade to Britannica Online

Take a tour, New improved britannica online

Imagine Britannica's 32-volume encyclopedia online right there for you, plus full access to articles. Amazing content, written by world experts, that you can cite for projects and assignments.

Click here for Britannica shop

Altman, Sidney

(born May 7, 1939, Montreal, Que., Can.) Canadian-born U.S. molecular biologist. He studied at MIT and the University of Colorado and has taught at Yale University since 1971. Working independently, Altman and Thomas Cech discovered that RNA, previously believed to be simply a passive carrier of genetic codes between different parts of the living cell, could also initiate and carry out (i.e., catalyze) some reactions, opening up new fields of research and biotechnology. The two shared a 1989 Nobel Prize.

Find more information on Altman, Sidney. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on Altman, Sidney.

  • Britannica, just as colourful as Singapore
  • Singapore is a legendary city. Britannica has a legendary reputation for knowledge. With just a few clicks you can access all the quality information you can trust, online.