Introduction to Microbiology Quiz

Introduction to Microbiology

• Microbiology is the study of microorganisms that are too small to be seen by the naked eye.
• The term "microbiology" comes from Greek words: "micro" means small, "bios" means life, and "logos" means knowledge.

Discovery of Microbes and the Dawn of Microbiology

• The term "microbiology" was coined by French chemist Louis Pasteur (1822-1895).
• Microbiology has its roots in the biological sciences expansion and development after 1850.
• The term "microbe" was first used by Sedillot in 1878.

The Discovery Era

• Antony van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723) invented the microscope and discovered the microbial world.
• During the 17th-18th centuries, scientists believed in spontaneous generation, where living organisms can develop from non-living matter.
• Edward Jenner discovered smallpox in 1796-1798.
• Louis Pasteur is considered the founder of modern microbiology (1861).
• Joseph Lister performed the first antiseptic operation in 1865.
• Gregor Mendel published the laws of heredity in 1866.
• Robert Koch, the father of medical microbiology, discovered pure culture in solid media and made other significant contributions between 1876-1883.

Classification of Microorganisms

• The 5 major groups of microorganisms are: bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, and viruses.

Cell Biology

• The cell is the basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known living organisms.
• The cell was discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665.
• Cells are the smallest unit of life that can replicate independently and are often called the "building blocks of life".

Important People and Their Contributions

• Edward Jenner: discovered smallpox.
• Louis Pasteur: founder of modern microbiology, antiseptic approach.
• Joseph Lister: performed the first antiseptic operation.
• Gregor Mendel: published laws of heredity.
• Robert Koch: father of medical microbiology, discovered pure culture in solid media, and made other significant contributions.