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Questions and Answers
What is the meaning of the Latin word from which 'virus' is derived?
What is the meaning of the Latin word from which 'virus' is derived?
Which hypothesis suggests that viruses may have evolved from free-living cells?
Which hypothesis suggests that viruses may have evolved from free-living cells?
Who discovered the filterable nature of the Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)?
Who discovered the filterable nature of the Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)?
What is a defining characteristic of viruses in relation to living cells?
What is a defining characteristic of viruses in relation to living cells?
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What significant contribution did E. Jenner make in 1796?
What significant contribution did E. Jenner make in 1796?
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Study Notes
Discovery of Viruses
- The term "virus" originates from the Latin word "venom", meaning "poison".
- Early understanding of viruses involved infectious diseases with unknown causes.
- C. Chamberland and L. Pasteur discovered that rabies agents could pass through porcelain filters with a pore size of 100-1000 nm.
- Current definition of viruses: Non-cellular infectious entities containing RNA or DNA, typically encased in a protein coat, requiring living cells for reproduction.
Origin of Viruses
- Regressive Hypothesis: Viruses evolved from free-living cells or intracellular prokaryotic parasites.
- Progressive Hypothesis: Viruses originated from RNA and DNA molecules or self-replicating entities similar to transposons or other mobile genetic elements that escaped from a host cell.
- Virus First Hypothesis: Viruses may have been the first self-replicating entities evolving before the first cells.
Contributions of Virologists
- E. Jenner (1796): Developed the first vaccine against smallpox.
- C. Chamberland (1884): Discovered the filterable nature of rabies viruses.
- D. Ivanowski (1892): Discovered the filterable nature of Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV).
- Twort and D'Herelle (1915, 1917): Discovered bacteriophages.
- W. M. Stanley (1935): Isolated, purified, and crystallized TMV.
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Description
Explore the fascinating history and theories surrounding the discovery and origin of viruses. Learn about key figures in virology, the evolution hypotheses, and the current understanding of these unique infectious entities. This quiz covers crucial concepts that shaped the field of virology.
