Die molekulêre benadering tot die biologiese wetenskappe insluitende die mediese wetenskappe

Inaugural lecture--Department of Biochemistry, Rand Afrikaans University, 29 Oktober 1973@@The molecular approach to biological science forms the basis of the biochemist's approach to his task and also forms the basis of and is a binding factor in a modern interdisciplinary research attempt on unsolved problems on living systems in general with special reference to the physical existence of man. Important contributions have already been made by biochemistry, but major challenges such as obtaining the required knowledge about the causes, prevention and cure of diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, allergic conditions and mental deviations still await much attention from biochemistry and other disciplines. Biochemistry should also play a central role in studies on the rejection reaction during organ transplantation, autoimmunity, biological energy as possible substitute for present sources of energy, and better utilisation of enzymes in industry. One of the most important fundamental problems in biochemistry is the relationship between the primary structure and function of proteins. This problem now forms the central theme of intensive research programmes.