Micro Test 1 Prep Flashcards

Microbiology Key Figures and Concepts

• Louis Pasteur: Demonstrated ubiquitous microorganisms, disproved Spontaneous Generation, discovered fermentation by yeast, linked spoilage to microbes, developed Pasteurization, rabies vaccine, and invented the swan-neck flask.

• Robert Koch: Pioneer of techniques to isolate pathogens; isolated Bacillus anthracis, tuberculosis bacillus, and Vibrio cholerae. Developed Koch's postulates, awarded Nobel Prize in 1905.

• Carolus Linnaeus: Introduced the system of Binomial Nomenclature for scientific classification in 1735.

• Francesco Redi: Discredited spontaneous generation by demonstrating flies generate maggots on decaying meat in 1668.

• Theodor Escherich: Discovered Escherichia coli, critical in understanding gut microbiota.

• Binomial Nomenclature: Organisms are classified by genus and species, with genus capitalized and both italicized.

• Disinfectants: Phenol (carbolic acid) was the first used widely to reduce infections caused by microorganisms.

• Alexander Fleming: Discovered penicillin in 1928, leading to modern antibiotics.

• Carl R. Woese: Introduced the three-domain system (Archaea, Bacteria, Eukarya) in 1990.

Microbial Classification

• Three Domains: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya; protozoa belong to Eukarya.

• Microorganism Categories: Include Bacteria, Archaea, Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, Helminths, and Viruses.

• Bacteria: Prokaryotic, unicellular, with cell walls made of peptidoglycan.

• Fungi: Eukaryotic, non-tissue forming, spore-reproducing, with cell walls of chitin.

• Algae: Eukaryotic, photosynthetic organisms; part of phytoplankton.

Environmental Microbiology

• Archaea: Prokaryotic, unicellular, can be extremophiles (halophiles, acidophiles, alkaliphiles, hyperthermophiles).

• Microbial Survival: Endospores protect bacteria in harsh conditions; fimbriae facilitate adherence.

Microscopy and Techniques

• Koch's Postulates: Guidelines to establish a causative relationship between a microbe and a disease (isolation, culture, infection, and re-isolation).

• Golden Age of Microbiology (1857-1914): Establishment of germ theory, use of disinfectants, surgical improvements, and vaccination development.

• Gram Stain: Differentiates bacteria into gram-positive (thick peptidoglycan) and gram-negative (outer membrane).

Microbial Structure and Function

• Cellular Structures:

  • Capsule: Gelatinous layer in some bacteria.
  • Fimbriae: Attachment structures on bacteria.
  • Plasmids: Circular DNA in bacteria, contains additional genes.

• Transport Mechanisms:

  • Facilitated Diffusion: Process where glucose crosses cell membranes without energy.
  • Active Transport: Requires energy to transport substances against a gradient.

Taxonomy and Classification Systems

• Five Kingdom System: Proposed by Robert H. Whitaker; includes Prokaryote, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia.

• Taxonomic Hierarchy: Ranks include Domain, Kingdom, Phylum/Division, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.

Measurements in Microbiology

• Micrometers (um): One millionth of a meter.
• Nanometers (nm): One billionth of a meter.
• Millimeters (mm): One thousandth of a meter.

Prepare for your Microbiology Test with these flashcards focused on Louis Pasteur's key contributions to the field. Explore his discoveries, including the principles of pasteurization and the connection between microorganisms and disease. Mastering these concepts will be essential for your upcoming exam.