Chapter 2 Jacques Monod, Protein Folding and Me

Abstract

Abstract Jacques Monod, a prominent figure of the golden age of Molecular Biology, is well known for his contributions to understanding the regulation of gene expression (the “operon” model) and the regulation of enzyme activities (the “allostery” model). Few people are aware of his deep interest in the mechanisms of protein folding, which he foresaw would become a problem of major importance. The author of the present chapter describes the meandring pathway which led him to join the laboratory of Jacques Monod and the way in which Jacques Monod triggered his interest for protein folding, inspired his first discoveries and influenced many of his contributions to an emerging area of research which now stands at the forefront of biological research.