Francisco Bolívar Zapata
Encyclopedia
Francisco Gonzalo Bolívar Zapata (Mexico City
, March 1948) is a Mexican
biochemist
and professor.
After getting his PhD in biochemistry
by the National Autonomous University of Mexico
(UNAM), he joined the Research Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (now known as the Institute of Biotechnology) in the same university, undertaking studies on Molecular Biology
and Biotechnology
and becoming one of the most important researchers working in the development of techniques for the use and characterization of the cell genetic material.
His studies have significantly contributed the design, construction and characterization of molecular vehicles for the transfer and expression of DNA
(Deoxyribonucleic acid). In 1977 he worked in the production of human protein
s like insulin
and somatostatin
in bacteria
using genetic engineering
techniques.
Francisco Bolívar Zapata has been member of several expert committees in the UNESCO
and the WHO
, and has published over a hundred articles and books.
He is member of the UNAM
's Board of Directors and The National College. He received the Prince of Asturias Award in 1991.
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
, March 1948) is a Mexican
Mexican people
Mexican people refers to all persons from Mexico, a multiethnic country in North America, and/or who identify with the Mexican cultural and/or national identity....
biochemist
Biochemist
Biochemists are scientists who are trained in biochemistry. Typical biochemists study chemical processes and chemical transformations in living organisms. The prefix of "bio" in "biochemist" can be understood as a fusion of "biological chemist."-Role:...
and professor.
After getting his PhD in biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry, sometimes called biological chemistry, is the study of chemical processes in living organisms, including, but not limited to, living matter. Biochemistry governs all living organisms and living processes...
by the National Autonomous University of Mexico
National Autonomous University of Mexico
The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México is a university in Mexico. UNAM was founded on 22 September 1910 by Justo Sierra as a liberal alternative to the Roman Catholic-sponsored Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) (National Autonomous...
(UNAM), he joined the Research Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (now known as the Institute of Biotechnology) in the same university, undertaking studies on Molecular Biology
Molecular biology
Molecular biology is the branch of biology that deals with the molecular basis of biological activity. This field overlaps with other areas of biology and chemistry, particularly genetics and biochemistry...
and Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a field of applied biology that involves the use of living organisms and bioprocesses in engineering, technology, medicine and other fields requiring bioproducts. Biotechnology also utilizes these products for manufacturing purpose...
and becoming one of the most important researchers working in the development of techniques for the use and characterization of the cell genetic material.
His studies have significantly contributed the design, construction and characterization of molecular vehicles for the transfer and expression of DNA
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms . The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in...
(Deoxyribonucleic acid). In 1977 he worked in the production of human protein
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
s like insulin
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone central to regulating carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body. Insulin causes cells in the liver, muscle, and fat tissue to take up glucose from the blood, storing it as glycogen in the liver and muscle....
and somatostatin
Somatostatin
Somatostatin is a peptide hormone that regulates the endocrine system and affects neurotransmission and cell proliferation via interaction with G-protein-coupled somatostatin receptors and inhibition of the release of numerous secondary hormones.Somatostatin...
in bacteria
Bacteria
Bacteria are a large domain of prokaryotic microorganisms. Typically a few micrometres in length, bacteria have a wide range of shapes, ranging from spheres to rods and spirals...
using genetic engineering
Genetic engineering
Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is the direct human manipulation of an organism's genome using modern DNA technology. It involves the introduction of foreign DNA or synthetic genes into the organism of interest...
techniques.
Francisco Bolívar Zapata has been member of several expert committees in the UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
and the WHO
Who
Who may refer to:* Who , an English-language pronoun* who , a Unix command* Who?, one of the Five Ws in journalism- Art and entertainment :* Who? , a 1958 novel by Algis Budrys...
, and has published over a hundred articles and books.
He is member of the UNAM
Unam
UNAM or UNaM may refer to:* National University of Misiones, a National University in Posadas, Argentina*National Autonomous University of Mexico , the large public autonomous university based in Mexico City...
's Board of Directors and The National College. He received the Prince of Asturias Award in 1991.