What was the most significant impact of the discovery of the toxin-antitoxin relationship by Emil von Behring and Shibasaburo Kitasato?
Understand the Problem
The question asks about the most significant impact of the discovery of the toxin-antitoxin relationship by Emil von Behring and Shibasaburo Kitasato. We need to identify which of the given options best reflects the broad and lasting consequence of their work.
Answer
The development of serum therapy, especially for diphtheria, which saved thousands of lives and advanced immunology.
The most significant impact was the development of serum therapy, particularly for diphtheria. This treatment dramatically reduced deaths from diphtheria, saving thousands of lives annually. It also marked a major advancement in immunology.
Answer for screen readers
The most significant impact was the development of serum therapy, particularly for diphtheria. This treatment dramatically reduced deaths from diphtheria, saving thousands of lives annually. It also marked a major advancement in immunology.
More Information
Emil von Behring received the first Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1901 for his work on serum therapy. Shibasaburo Kitasato was nominated but did not win. Their discovery not only provided a treatment for diphtheria but also laid the foundation for understanding immunity and developing other antitoxins and vaccines.
Tips
A common mistake is to focus solely on the scientific discovery without recognizing its practical application in saving lives.
Sources
- Emil von Behring: The founder of serum therapy - NobelPrize.org - nobelprize.org
- Remembering Emil von Behring: from Tetanus Treatment to ... - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Emil Adolph von Behring (1854–1917) and Shibasaburo Kitasato ... - jnnp.bmj.com
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