Statement is false because viruses are significantly smaller than bacteria. Bacteria typically range from 0.5 to 5 micrometers in size, whereas most viruses range from about 20 to 300 nanometers. Consequently, viruses can easily pass through bacterial proof filters (such as porcelain filters), which are designed to trap larger microorganisms like bacteria. This filterability was one of the early defining characteristics used by scientists like Ivanovsky and Beijerinck to distinguish viruses from bacteria.

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