Wang Debao: Adding flavor to life

Originally published in 2008

An undated file photo of Wang Debao.[xici.net]

"Scientific discovery only favors those who are persevering and single-minded."

-Wang Debao

Editor's Note: Wang Debao is a biochemist born in Taixing, Jiangsu province. He graduated from Central University in 1940. Wang received his PhD from Western Reserve University, in the US, in 1951. He did postdoctoral research at Johns Hopkins University from 1951 to 1954. In 1980 he was elected a member of Chinese Academy of Sciences. He works as a researcher at the Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Returning to China in 1954, he pioneered research into the biochemistry of nucleic acids. He was the initiator of the production of flavor-enhancing nucleotides. He participated in and led the first research project on the total synthesis of yeast alanine transfer RNA (tRNA) for the first time in the world, and succeeded in the synthesis of active tRNA, which places China's research on biomacromolecular synthesis in a leading position worldwide. He won the National Award for Natural Science (Grade 1) in 1987.

Even in his 80s, Wang went to work every day. His son said, "My father just cannot be idle. He does not have any hobbies except reading and working in the laboratory. Just absorbing the sights and sounds of the laboratory instills energy into him." His wife of more than half a century said, "His colleagues call him a 'living encyclopedia.' If they are not clear about data or statistics, he is the one they go to for help. He often works as a simultaneous interpreter at international seminars. He could handle obscure scientific jargon and data bilingually."

Even while people around him are noisily taking pictures and talking, Wang can be seen quietly reading the Scientific Times. Everything around him seems far away. Maybe this was one reason for his success. He researched the synthesis of nucleic acid during a period of confusion and disorder in China. The chaos around him could not affect his scientific mind and soul. In his world, nucleic acid had order and science was serene.

Wang's field, the artificial synthesis of nucleic acid, is at the cutting edge of biochemistry, unveiling the mystery of the beginning of life. Some scientists have speculated that if we could successfully synthesize artificial nucleic acid and combine it with artificial protein, we might produce the original form of life. On Nov 20, 1981, a scientific group led by Wang Debao synthesized transfer RNA (tRNA) for the first time anywhere in the world. Applying the results of the synthesis of nucleic acid, Wang Debao and his colleagues were able to enhance the flavor of monosodium glutamate several times. Wang Debao can be deemed the father of Chinese flavor reagents. He not only uncovered the mystery of human life, but also enriched life's tastes.