The Enzymes of Hugo Theorell

T HE leadership of Hugo Theorell in advancing knowledge of the chemical nature of enzymes has brought him the award of this year's Nobel Prize in recognition of this work in physiology and medicine. Only one other Swede has been so rewarded in "the long history of these prizes. ▸ Electrophoresis. The introduction of electrophoresis by Theorell in 1934 as a preparative procedure for the isolation of enzymes constituted a fundamental development feiking place parallel with Tiselius' theoretical studies and analytical applications. Using electrophoresis, Theorell succeeded in preparing crystalline myoglobin (1934) and horseradish peroxidase (1941) and obtained the old yellow enzyme (1934) and cytochrome c (1936) in highly purified forms. His extensive use of electrophoresis at an early date was a key factor in his leadership in preparative procedures for enzymes. This was of considerable importance for Theorell because he follows the principle that an enzyme must first be isolated and highly purified before ...