About Edwin T. Mertz
Lived 1909 – 1999 (aged 89). Edwin T. Mertz was an American chemist and biochemist.
Edwin Theodore Mertz (December 6, 1909 – February 1, 1999) was an American biochemist known for his contributions to plant biochemistry and nutrition. He is best known for the co-discovery of high-lysine maize through the characterization of mutants such as opaque2 and floury2, demonstrating that the nutritional quality of a major crop could be substantially improved through genetic variation. This work laid the foundation for the development of quality protein maize (QPM), which has been widely used to improve human and animal nutrition worldwide. 1987 Richard Newbury McCoy Award from Purdue University
Purdue University has established the Edwin T. Mertz Memorial Scholarship in his name.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Edwin T. Mertz?
American biochemist (1909-1999)
When was Edwin T. Mertz born?
Edwin T. Mertz was born on 6 December 1909 in Missoula.
When did Edwin T. Mertz die?
Edwin T. Mertz died on 1 February 1999 in Dallas.
What was Edwin T. Mertz's occupation?
Edwin T. Mertz was a chemist and biochemist.
What nationality was Edwin T. Mertz?
Edwin T. Mertz was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Edwin T. Mertz. https://biography.guide/edwin-t-mertz/
MLA: "Edwin T. Mertz." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/edwin-t-mertz/.
Chicago: "Edwin T. Mertz." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/edwin-t-mertz/.
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