Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Chemistry in 1958 and 1980
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Very few scientists have received the Nobel Prize twice and Frederick Sanger is one of them. He made outstanding contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology, especially in determining the structure of important biological molecules. This question tests knowledge of both his field and the years when he was honoured, which is a common theme in general knowledge about Nobel laureates.
Given Data / Assumptions:
The question states and implies the following.
Concept / Approach:
The approach is to recall that Sanger was a biochemist whose work related to chemical structures of biological molecules. Specifically he determined the amino acid sequence of insulin and later developed methods for sequencing DNA. Both achievements fall under Chemistry. He received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1958 for work on insulin and again in 1980 for contributions to DNA sequencing. Thus the correct combination is Chemistry in 1958 and 1980.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that Frederick Sanger was not primarily known as a physicist but as a biochemist.
Step 2: Recall that his early work on determining the structure of insulin led to a Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded in 1958.
Step 3: Remember that his later development of DNA sequencing methods earned him another Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1980.
Step 4: Compare these facts with the answer options and locate the combination Chemistry in 1958 and 1980.
Step 5: Verify that none of the other options correspond to Sanger life or field of work.
Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done using any reliable reference on Nobel Prize history. Lists of double laureates prominently mention Frederick Sanger with two Chemistry Prizes in 1958 and 1980. Encyclopaedia entries on Sanger confirm that the 1958 honour was for work on the structure of proteins, especially insulin, and the 1980 prize was shared for contributions to DNA sequencing techniques. No reputable source connects him with Nobel Prizes in Physics or Peace, so the chemistry based option is confirmed as correct.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B mentions Physics in 1956 and 1972, which refers more closely to other physicists and does not describe Sanger career. Option C suggests Chemistry in 1954 and Peace in 1962, which actually resembles the pattern of Linus Pauling but with different years. Option D describes Physics in 1903 and Chemistry in 1911 which matches Marie Curie rather than Sanger. These options are designed to confuse candidates who mix up famous double Nobel laureates but they do not apply to Frederick Sanger.
Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is confusing Sanger with other double laureates such as Marie Curie or Linus Pauling because exam writers often combine their prize patterns into distractor options. Another mistake is not remembering that Sanger was honoured twice in the same discipline instead of two different disciplines. Students may also guess based only on year patterns without recalling the actual field of work. Careful study of a short list of double Nobel laureates can prevent such confusion.
Final Answer:
Frederick Sanger received the Nobel Prize twice in Chemistry in 1958 and 1980.
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