Introduction to Microbiology

Dried cells of microorganisms used as food or feed, known as 'single cell' protein. Examples include Spirulina and Chlorella (single-celled green algae).

A type of bacteria that breaks down oil, converting it into bioplastics.

The theory that living organisms can arise spontaneously from nonliving matter. This has been disproven for larger organisms, but initially thought to be possible for microorganisms.

An Italian scientist who disproved spontaneous generation for larger organisms by showing that maggots on decaying meat came from fly eggs. He conducted experiments with jars of meat, some open to flies and others sealed.

The first person to observe microorganisms using a microscope. He discovered a world of tiny living creatures in water, food, and other common substances, revolutionizing our understanding of the microscopic world.

The process of destroying harmful microorganisms in food and beverages by heating them to a specific temperature for a certain time.

A type of microbiology that uses microorganisms to produce valuable products like antibiotics, vitamins, and enzymes.

A technique for studying microbes directly from their environment without needing to grow them in a lab.

A method of studying microbial populations by analyzing their genes and proteins.

A form of communication between bacteria, where they release chemical signals that allow them to coordinate their behavior.

The study of organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope. These organisms are simple in structure, lack advanced cells, and distinct tissues. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae.

Microorganisms are present in almost every environment, from the air we breathe to the soil we walk on.

A cyanobacterium that is the most abundant photosynthetic organism on Earth, playing a critical role in the production of oxygen.

Microorganisms in the digestive tracts of animals help break down complex plant matter, especially in herbivores like cattle, sheep, and goats, making it possible for them to digest fiber.

Microorganisms are used in the production of various foods and beverages through fermentation. Examples include bread, beer, tempeh, chocolate, and coffee.

Microbial ecology studies how microorganisms play a vital role in cycling elements like carbon and nitrogen in the environment.

The use of microorganisms to clean up pollutants in the environment. This can involve using naturally occurring microbes or genetically engineered ones.

A set of criteria used to establish a causal relationship between a microbe and a disease. It involves proving the presence of a specific microbe in every case of the disease, isolating the microbe in pure culture, causing the same disease in a healthy host by introducing the isolated microbe, and re-isolating the same microbe from the infected host.

A rod-shaped bacterium responsible for anthrax, a serious infectious disease that can be fatal in animals and humans.

A serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax can affect humans and animals, and it can be fatal if left untreated.

A gel-like substance derived from seaweed used as a growth medium for microorganisms in laboratories.

A shallow, circular dish with a lid used to culture microorganisms in laboratories.

The theory that living organisms can arise spontaneously from non-living matter. For example, that microorganisms could appear in broth from a 'life force' in the air.

Experiment by John Needham (1713-1781) involving boiling broth in flasks. He sealed the flasks after boiling, and the broth later became cloudy with microorganisms. He concluded that this supported the theory of spontaneous generation.

Experiment by Lazzaro Spallanzani (1729-1799) involving boiling broth in sealed flasks. He sealed the flasks BEFORE boiling. The broth remained clear, indicating no growth of microorganisms. He argued that microorganisms could only arise from pre-existing microbes in the air.

Experiment by Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) that involved boiling broth in flasks with long, curved necks. The necks allowed air to enter but prevented the entry of airborne particles. The broth remained clear, indicating no microbial growth. This further disproved the theory of spontaneous generation.

The period from 1857 to 1914, marked by significant discoveries in microbiology, including the identification of disease-causing organisms, the study of microbial metabolism, and the development of microbiological techniques.

Joseph Lister's contributions to the field of surgery. He introduced methods to prevent the entry of microorganisms into wounds, including antiseptic surgical techniques and sterilization of surgical instruments.

The study of the immune system's response to pathogens and the development of vaccines. Edward Jenner's work with smallpox vaccination is a landmark example.

A technique that involves introducing a weakened or inactivated form of a pathogen into the body to stimulate the immune system and provide protection against the disease. Edward Jenner developed the first successful vaccine against smallpox.

A highly contagious viral disease that was once a major cause of death worldwide. Edward Jenner's vaccination work led to the eradication of smallpox.

A procedure where a small amount of a weakened or inactivated pathogen is introduced into the body to trigger an immune response. This response prepares the body to fight future infections by the same pathogen.