Christopher Chetsanga

Christopher J Chetsanga (born 1935 in Murewa, Zimbabwe) is a pre-eminent Zimbabwean scientist.

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Education

• 1965 obtained a BSc degree at the University of California and Pepperdine University in California, USA
• 1965-1969 obtained MSc and PhD degrees in Regulation of RNA Synthesis at the University of Toronto, Canada
• 1969-1972 became a Post-doctoral Fellow in Prof Paul Doly’s laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Harvard University.

Scientific Achievements

Discovered two enzymes involved in the repair of damaged DNA:

• Formamido-pyrimidine DNA glycosylase that removes damaged 7-methylguanine from DNA (1979).
• DNA cyclase that recluses imidazole rings of guanine and adenine damaged by x-irradiation (1983).

Work experience

• 1979 Full Professor University of Michigan
• Dean of Science University of Zimbabwe - UZ (1986-1991)
• Pro Vice Chancellor UZ (1991-1992)
• Acting Vice Chancellor UZ (1992-1993)

Popular Culture

Following the nomenclature of adding -ase to enzymes, Chetsangarase has been coined to celebrate the discovery of the two enzymes.