Elie Metchnikoff first described phagocytosis. This process, where cells engulf particles or pathogens, forms the basis of innate immunity, and he systematically studied and named it in 1882-1883 through experiments on starfish larvae and other models.​

Option Analysis

Phagocytosis involves immune cells like macrophages engulfing debris or microbes, a key defense mechanism. Each option represents a historical figure in biology or medicine.

• (A) Elie Metchnikoff: Correct. He observed mobile cells in starfish larvae surrounding foreign particles like carmine dye or thorns in 1882, coining “phagocyte” and linking it to immunity; this earned him the 1908 Nobel Prize.​

• (B) Robert Hooke: Incorrect. He coined “cell” in 1665 by observing cork under a microscope but made no phagocytosis observations.​

• (C) Robert Koch: Incorrect. He developed postulates for pathogens like anthrax and tuberculosis bacteria but focused on microbiology, not cellular engulfment.​

• (D) Paul Ehrlich: Incorrect. His 1908 Nobel shared with Metchnikoff was for humoral immunity and chemotherapy like Salvarsan; he advanced staining but not phagocytosis discovery.​

Phagocytosis was first described by Elie Metchnikoff, revolutionizing immunology through his observation of cells engulfing invaders. This phagocytosis was first described by discovery marked innate immunity’s foundation, earning him the 1908 Nobel Prize alongside Paul Ehrlich.​

Historical Breakthrough

In 1882, while studying starfish larvae in Messina, Metchnikoff saw mesodermal cells migrate to and digest foreign particles like rose thorns, proposing phagocytosis as a universal defense. Earlier, Ernst Haeckel noted ink uptake by sea slug cells in 1862, but Metchnikoff provided the theory and term “phagocyte.”​

Key Contributions

Metchnikoff’s work showed white blood cells actively fight infection, countering views of them spreading disease. His experiments extended to mammals, confirming phagocytosis’s role in inflammation and pathogen clearance.​

Exam Relevance

For CSIR NET Life Sciences, this MCQ tests immunology history: (A) Elie Metchnikoff is correct, distinguishing his cellular theory from humoral views.​