Who discovered virus in biology?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Dmitri Ivanovsky, a Russian botanist, is credited with the discovery of viruses in 1892.
He studied Tobacco Mosaic Disease and found that the infectious agent could pass through a filter designed to trap bacteria, indicating it was a much smaller entity.
This 'filterable agent' was the first evidence of a pathogen smaller than bacteria, which laid the foundation for the field of virology.

Option A: Edward Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine, a pioneering work in immunization, but he did not discover the virus as a distinct biological entity.
Option B: Robert Hooke is famous for his work with microscopes in the 17th century, leading to his discovery of the biological 'cell', not viruses.
Option C: Robert Koch was a founder of modern bacteriology who identified the bacteria causing major diseases like tuberculosis and anthrax. His focus was on bacteria, not viruses.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain History of Microbiology: Discovery of Viruses as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The fundamental distinction between viruses and bacteria, which began with Ivanovsky's work, is critical in nursing for understanding infectious diseases and guiding appropriate treatment (e.g., antibiotics are ineffective against viruses).
This historical knowledge underpins modern infection control, patient education on vaccination, and antibiotic stewardship programs that nurses implement and teach.
What if? If Ivanovsky's infectious agent had been stopped by the bacterial filter, it would have been classified as a bacterium. The discovery of viruses would have been significantly delayed, likely until the invention of the electron microscope decades later.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of major figures in the history of biology.
First, identify the core concept in the question: the 'discovery of the virus'.
Next, evaluate each option by associating the scientist with their primary contribution.
Recall or deduce: Edward Jenner is linked to vaccines, Robert Hooke to cells, and Robert Koch to bacteria and germ theory.
Through this process of elimination, or by direct recall, you can identify Dmitri Ivanovsky as the scientist whose work led to the first experimental evidence of viruses.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Microbiology Applied AnjuDhir 3e Part 1 pp. 40-42, 36-38

E6 Microbiology Essentials Sastry 4e Part 1 p. 26-28

Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.