Stanley

Definition

Stanley is known for his pioneering work in crystallizing viruses, specifically the tobacco mosaic virus. His work laid the foundation for understanding the molecular structure of viruses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stanley won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1946 for his work on crystallizing viruses.
2. He demonstrated that viruses could be crystallized, proving they were composed of proteins and nucleic acids.
3. His research showed that viruses maintain their infectivity even after being crystallized.
4. Stanley's work paved the way for molecular biology by highlighting the chemical nature of viruses.
5. He was able to isolate and purify the tobacco mosaic virus, providing a model for studying other viruses.

Review Questions

• What major contribution did Stanley make to virology?
• How did Stanley's work demonstrate the chemical composition of viruses?
• Why is Stanley's crystallization of the tobacco mosaic virus important in molecular biology?

Related terms

Tobacco Mosaic Virus:

A virus that infects plants, primarily tobacco, first crystallized by Stanley.

Crystallization: The process used by Stanley to isolate and study the structure of viruses.

Nobel Prize in Chemistry: An award given to Stanley in 1946 for his groundbreaking work on virus crystallization.