12 Questions
What is microbiology the study of?
Small living organisms
What percentage of microorganisms are pathogens?
3%
Who coined the term 'animalcules'?
Antony Van Leeuwenhock
What did Louis Pasteur disprove?
Spontaneous generation
What is the term for the theory that diseases are transmitted by microorganisms?
Germ theory of disease
Which of the following is an example of an indigenous microflora?
Microbiota
Who developed pure culture techniques?
Robert Koch
What is the main purpose of Koch's Postulates?
To show that a specific organism causes a specific disease
What is the term for the complete removal of all life forms, including endospores?
Sterilization
Which branch of microbiology deals with the production of drugs, enzymes, and solvents?
Pharmaceutical Microbiology
What is the term for the study of microorganisms in the environment?
Environmental Microbiology
Who isolated bacteria as causative agents for Anthrax?
Robert Koch
Study Notes
Biology of Microbial Cell
- Biology refers to the study of living organisms, while microbiology studies very small microorganisms or microbes that require a microscope.
Microorganisms (MOs)
- Include bacteria, algae, protozoa, fungi, and viruses
- Viruses are infectious agents or particles
- 3% of microbes are pathogens (disease-causing), while 97% are non-pathogenic
- 87% of non-pathogens are beneficial and form indigenous microflora or microbiota
- Microorganisms are ubiquitous (found everywhere)
History of Microbiology
- Antony Van Leeuwenhock discovered "animalcules" (microorganisms) in 1676
- Spontaneous Generation theory believed living organisms arise from decomposing matter
- Contrasted with Biogenesis, which states life arises from pre-existing life
Contributions of Louis Pasteur
- Showed microbes cause fermentation and spoilage
- Disproved Spontaneous Generation
- Developed aseptic techniques (free from pathogenic microorganisms)
Germ Theory of Disease
- Diseases are transmitted by microbes from a diseased to a healthy person
- Examples: Diphtheria (Corynebacterium diphtheriae) and Tetanus (Clostridium tetani)
Contributions of Robert Koch
- Developed solid growth media
- Introduced pure culture techniques
- Developed simple stain technique
- Developed aseptic lab techniques
- Isolated bacteria as causative agents for Anthrax
Koch's Postulates
- Series of experimental steps to show a specific organism causes a specific disease
Spores and Sterilization
- Ferdinand Cohn discovered and described endospores
- Term "sterile" means complete removal of all life forms, including endospores
Branches of Microbiology
- Basic Microbiology: classifications, metabolism, nutrition, growth, and requirements
- Medical Microbiology: Human pathogens
- Industrial Microbiology: Microorganisms used to obtain industrial products
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology: Production of drugs, enzymes, solvents, and other products
- Agricultural Microbiology: Microorganisms as biofertilizers and biocontrol agents of plant pathogens
- Environmental Microbiology (Microbial Ecology): Microorganisms in pollution, biodegradation, and environmental processes
Introduction to microbiology, studying microorganisms, and their characteristics. Learn about the different types of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and their roles in disease and benefits.
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