Allan M. Maxam

American molecular biologist

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July 17, 2026

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Allan M. Maxam is an American molecular biologist recognized for his contributions to DNA sequencing. He co-discovered the Maxam-Gilbert method in 1977, alongside Walter Gilbert. This method, along with the Sanger method, revolutionized the ability to determine the nucleotide sequence of DNA. Understanding DNA sequences is crucial as it provides the fundamental blueprint for an organism's genetic information, essential for comprehending genetic function and evolution.12

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recombinant DNA - Methods
Paul Modrich
genetics - Recombinant DNA technology and the polymerase chain reaction
Maxim

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recombinant DNA
Methods
…named for American molecular biologists Allan M. Maxam and Walter Gilbert, and the Sanger method, discovered by English biochemist Frederick Sanger. In the most commonly used method, the Sanger method, DNA chains are synthesized on a template strand, but chain growth is stopped when one of four possible dideoxy nucleotides,…
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…named for American molecular biologists Allan M. Maxam and Walter Gilbert, and the Sanger method, discovered by English biochemist Frederick Sanger. In the most commonly used method, the Sanger method, DNA chains are synthesized on a template strand, but chain growth is stopped when one of four possible dideoxy nucleotides,…
Read More
DNA sequencing
First-generation sequencing technology
…named for American molecular biologists Allan M. Maxam and Walter Gilbert, and the Sanger method (or dideoxy method), discovered by English biochemist Frederick Sanger. In the Sanger method, which became the more commonly employed of the two approaches, DNA chains were synthesized on a template strand, but chain growth was…
Read More
…named for American molecular biologists Allan M. Maxam and Walter Gilbert, and the Sanger method (or dideoxy method), discovered by English biochemist Frederick Sanger. In the Sanger method, which became the more commonly employed of the two approaches, DNA chains were synthesized on a template strand, but chain growth was…
Read More