Question

Tobacco mosaic virus was crystallized for the first time by
A. Edward Jenner
B. Louis Pasteur
C. Andre Lwoff
D. W.N. Stanley

Answer 1

Hint: While it was understood from the late 19th century that tobacco crops were harmful to a non-bacterial infectious disease, was not until 1930 that the pathogen was known to be a virus.

Complete Answer:
Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in the genus Tobamovirus is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus species which invades a large variety of plants, particularly tobacco and other Solanaceae family members. The virus induces distinctive patterns on the leaves, including "mosaic"-like discolorations and mottling

Now, let us find the solution from the options-
- For its innovative approach to immunisation and the eventual eradication of smallpox, Edward Jenner is well recognised around the world. The work of Jenner is generally seen as the base of immunology. Thus, option A is not the correct option.
- The analysis of molecular asymmetry was introduced by Louis Pasteur; he found that microorganisms trigger fermentation and disease; and originated the pasteurisation process. Thus option B is not the correct option.
- Andre Lwoff focused on the issues associated with protozoan diet. Thus, option C is not the correct option.
- The first virus to be crystallised was the tobacco mosaic virus. Wendell Meredith Stanley did this in 1935. TMV crystallization also revealed that, even after crystallisation, TMV stays active. He won the 1946 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research.

Thus, the correct answer is option (D) W.N. Stanley.

Note: In 1886, Adolf Mayer first identified the tobacco mosaic disease, related to bacterial infections, which could be transmitted between plants. Dmitri Ivanovsky presented the first clear proof in 1892 for the presence of a non-bacterial infectious agent, demonstrating that even after passing via the finest Chamberland filtering, tainted sap remained infectious.