16 Questions
From which three Greek words is the name 'microbiology' derived?
Micros, bios, logos
What does microbiology study?
Very small living things
Who made the first useful microscopes and was the first to observe and describe single-celled organisms?
Antony van Leeuwenhoek
What type of microscope is usually required for studying microorganisms?
Magnification tool – the microscope
Where can microorganisms be found?
Everywhere - on bodies of animals and humans, plant surfaces, in the air, water, dust, soil, and inside the intestines of insects, birds, animals, and humans
Who improved the design of Leeuwenhoek's microscope and drew details of the structure of plant cells and some microbes?
Robert Hooke
Who developed the first useful drug against a variety of bacterial infections?
Gerhardt Domagk
Which branch of microbiology is concerned with the study of parasites?
Parasitology
Who demonstrated that microorganisms are present in the air?
Louis Pasteur
What did Sir Alexander Fleming discover?
The first relatively safe and effective antibiotics
Which branch of microbiology is concerned with the study of viruses?
Virology
What is the main focus of mycology as a branch of microbiology?
Studying fungi and yeast and their characteristics
Who discovered streptomycin as an antibiotic?
Waksman
What is the branch of microbiology concerned with the studying of algae?
Phycology
Which scientist synthesized the first successful (but very toxic) drug against syphilis?
Paul Ehrlich
What percentage of known species of bacteria are considered beneficial?
87%
Study Notes
Origin of Microbiology
- The name 'microbiology' is derived from three Greek words.
Definition of Microbiology
- Microbiology studies microorganisms, including their structure, function, and interactions with the environment.
Early Microscopy
- Antonie van Leeuwenhoek made the first useful microscopes and was the first to observe and describe single-celled organisms.
Microscope Requirements
- A compound light microscope is usually required for studying microorganisms.
Habitat of Microorganisms
- Microorganisms can be found almost everywhere, in various environments and ecosystems.
Improvements in Microscopy
- Christiaan Huygens improved the design of Leeuwenhoek's microscope and drew detailed descriptions of plant cells and some microbes.
Development of Antibiotics
- German chemist Gerhard Domagk developed the first useful drug against a variety of bacterial infections.
Parasitology
- Parasitology is the branch of microbiology concerned with the study of parasites.
Microorganisms in the Air
- Italian priest and biologist Lazzaro Spallanzani demonstrated that microorganisms are present in the air.
Discovery of Penicillin
- Sir Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, a natural antibiotic.
Virology
- Virology is the branch of microbiology concerned with the study of viruses.
Mycology
- Mycology, as a branch of microbiology, focuses on the study of fungi, including their structure, function, and interactions with the environment.
Streptomycin
- American microbiologist Selman Waksman discovered streptomycin as an antibiotic.
Phycology
- Phycology is the branch of microbiology concerned with the study of algae.
Syphilis Treatment
- German scientist Paul Ehrlich synthesized the first successful (but very toxic) drug against syphilis.
Beneficial Bacteria
- Only about 1-2% of known species of bacteria are considered beneficial.
Test your knowledge on the basics of microbiology including its history, branches, and applications. Explore the characteristics of microorganisms and their significance in science.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
