Waksman

Definition

Selman Waksman was a pioneering microbiologist who discovered several antibiotics, most notably streptomycin. His work significantly advanced the field of antimicrobial chemotherapy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Selman Waksman coined the term 'antibiotics' to describe compounds produced by microorganisms that inhibit the growth of other microbes.
2. Waksman discovered streptomycin in 1943, which was the first effective treatment for tuberculosis.
3. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1952 for his discoveries in antibiotic production.
4. Waksman's research primarily focused on soil-dwelling bacteria called actinomycetes, which are prolific producers of natural antibiotics.
5. His discovery of multiple antibiotics laid the foundation for modern pharmaceutical approaches to combating bacterial infections.

Review Questions

• What significant antibiotic did Selman Waksman discover and when?
• What term did Selman Waksman coin, and what does it describe?
• For what contributions was Selman Waksman awarded the Nobel Prize?

Related terms

Antibiotics: Compounds produced by microorganisms that can inhibit or kill other microbes.

Streptomycin: The first antibiotic discovered by Waksman that is effective against tuberculosis.

Actinomycetes: A group of soil-dwelling bacteria researched by Waksman known for producing various antibiotics.