Virus: History and Characteristics — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptVirus means venom or poisonous fluid. Dmitri Ivanowsky (1892) recognised certain microbes as causal organism of the mosaic disease of tobacco. These were found to be smaller than bacteria because they passed through bacteria-proof filters. M.W. Beijerinck (1898) demonstrated that the extract of the infected plants of tobacco could cause infection in healthy plants and named the new pathogen "virus" and called the fluid as Contagium vivum fluidum (infectious living fluid). W.M. Stanley (1935) showed that viruses could be crystallised and crystals consist largely of proteins. They are inert outside their specific host cell. Viruses are obligate parasites.
Match the following historical figures related to virology with their key contributions and associated years: Column I (Scientist) A. Dmitri Ivanowsky B. M.W. Beijerinck C. W.M. Stanley Column II (Year) I. 1935 II. 1892 III. 1898 Column III (Key Finding/Contribution) P. Demonstrated that the extract of infected plants could cause infection in healthy plants and named the pathogen 'virus'. Q. Recognised certain microbes as causal organisms of mosaic disease of tobacco, smaller than bacteria. R. Showed that viruses could be crystallised and that these crystals consist largely of proteins. Which of the following options correctly matches Column I, Column II, and Column III?
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Correct answer: D — A–II–Q, B–III–P, C–I–R
The core concept involves matching scientists with their specific contributions and the years of their discoveries related to viruses. A. Dmitri Ivanowsky: NCERT states, 'Dmitri Ivanowsky (1892) recognised certain microbes as causal organism of the mosaic disease of tobacco. These were found to be smaller than bacteria...' So, A–II–Q. B. M.W. Beijerinck: NCERT states, 'M.W. Beijerinck (1898) demonstrated that the extract of the infected plants of tobacco could cause infection in healthy plants and named the new pathogen “virus” and called the fluid as Contagium vivum fluidum (infectious living fluid).' So, B–III–P. C. W.M. Stanley: NCERT states, 'W.M. Stanley (1935) showed that viruses could be crystallised and crystals consist largely of proteins.' So, C–I–R. Therefore, the correct match is A–II–Q, B–III–P, C–I–R.
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