Biological dissent

Pleomorphism is a biological theory which holds that microorganisms can undergo signifi cant changes in shape. It’s a theory that does not enjoy modern orthodox support but it has had some significant supporters over the years. An examination of pleomorphic theory offers some tantalizing and provoking thoughts.

- MARTIN OLIVER

Traditionally, heretical ideas tended to occur in the religious arena. For centuries, Catholicism fended off notions that challenged its tightly held dogmas, and these included its arch-nemesis, Gnosticism. However, heresies do not just occur in the field of religion. In science too, consensus has a tendency to harden into dogma that is hard to challenge, despite the fact that science is a work in progress, and some previous assumptions continue to be overturned.

In the field of microbiology, it is widely accepted under the principle of “monomorphism” that microorganisms are stable and do not change shape, except in rare instances. This contrasts strongly with another “pleomorphic” school that holds the opposite view, namely that microorganisms frequently undergo dramatic changes, with far-reaching ramifications.

During the glory days of pleomorphism in the early 20th century, numerous researchers were uncovering similar strange phenomena, sometimes unaware of one another’s work. Rivalry between the two schools continued until around 1940, when monomorphism won out and became the dominant paradigm.

The story of pleomorphism really begins with a now-forgotten French researcher working century and a half ago.

Antoine Béchamp (1816–1908)

A distinguished French scientist and cell specialist, during the 1860s Béchamp was working with moulds. Using a light microscope with a magnification of about 1000×, he discovered small particles that he called microzymas (“tiny ferments”). These were named because they were in a constant state of agitated motion, and also had a glistening, sparkling appearance.