| Intro | Zimbabwean scientist | ||||||
| Is |
Chemist Scientist Biochemist |
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| From | Zimbabwe | ||||||
| Type | Science | ||||||
| Gender | male | ||||||
| Birth | 22 August 1935, Murewa, Zimbabwe | ||||||
| Age: | 85 years | ||||||
| Star sign | Leo | ||||||
| Education |
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| Awards |
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Christopher J. Chetsanga (born 1935 in Murehwa, Rhodesia) is a prominent Zimbabwean scientist who is a member of the African Academy of Sciences.
Education
- 1965 obtained a BSc degree at the University of California, Berkeley and Pepperdine University in California, USA
- 1965-1969 obtained MSc and PhD degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Toronto, Canada
- 1969-1972 became a Post-doctoral Fellow, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Harvard University
Scientific Achievements
Discovered two enzymes involved in the repair of damaged DNA:
- Formamidopyrimidine DNA Glycosylase, which removes damaged 7-methylguanine from DNA (1979).
- DNA cyclase, which recloses imidazole rings of guanine and adenine damaged by x-irradiation (1985).
Work experience
- Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Full Professor, University of Michigan, 1972–1983
- Professor of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, 1983–2017
- Dean of Science University of Zimbabwe, (1986–1991)
- Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Zimbabwe, (1991–1993)
- Director General, Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Center, Zimbabwe, 1993-2003