Martinus Beijerinck was a Dutch microbiologist who is considered one of the founders of virology. He is renowned for his discovery of viruses as a new infectious agent distinct from bacteria.
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Beijerinck identified the first virus, the tobacco mosaic virus, in 1898.
He coined the term 'virus' (Latin for poison) to describe these infectious agents.
Beijerinck's work demonstrated that viruses could pass through filters that trap bacteria, showing they were smaller and fundamentally different from bacteria.
His research established that viruses require living hosts to replicate, which was crucial in distinguishing them from other pathogens.
Beijerinck's methodology laid foundational principles for modern virology and molecular biology.
Review Questions
What major contribution did Martinus Beijerinck make to microbiology?
How did Beijerinck demonstrate that viruses are distinct from bacteria?
Why was Beijerinck's discovery of the tobacco mosaic virus significant?
Related terms
Virion: The complete, infective form of a virus outside a host cell.
Bacteriophage: A type of virus that infects and replicates within bacteria.
Virology: The scientific study of viruses and viral diseases.