Microbiology and Parasitology: History Overview

The process of inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, often for the purpose of preserving food.

A method of killing microorganisms in liquids, typically milk, by heating it to a specific temperature for a set time.

A technique using heat to kill microorganisms on surfaces or in liquids.

The process of exposing a substance to a high-heat environment for a set time to kill microorganisms.

A method of sterilization using steam at high pressure and temperature to kill microorganisms.

Any substance that destroys microorganisms.

A substance that inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

The theory that states that diseases are caused by microorganisms.

Scientists in the 1700s viewed microbes as unimportant curiosities, but in the late 1800s, a shift towards experimental evidence propelled microbiology as a science.

The term "microbe" was coined by Professor Charles E. Sedillot who recognized their existence and action while studying post-operative infections.

Louis Pasteur's research demonstrated specific activities of yeasts and bacteria in fermentation, leading to discoveries about wine diseases and pasteurization.

Martinus W. Beijerinck made significant contributions to microbial ecology by highlighting the role of microbes in plant nitrogen fixation.

Microbes have evolved for billions of years, utilizing a vast range of energy sources and thriving in diverse habitats.

Essential biochemical processes of life likely originated from microbial ancestors.

Antonie Philips van Leeuwenhoek, the first scientist to observe bacteria and other microorganisms, called them "animalcules."

The development of improved microscopes, laboratory techniques, and a thirst for knowledge led to the advancement of microbiology in the late 1800s.

The study of microscopic organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists.

These organisms lack a nucleus and include bacteria, viruses, and archaea.

These organisms have a nucleus and include algae, fungi, protozoa, and microscopic animals.

The branch of microbiology that studies bacteria.

The branch of microbiology that studies viruses.

The branch of microbiology that studies fungi.

The branch of microbiology that studies parasites.

Microbial communities and their environment on landmasses, influenced by water availability.

The ability of a microscope to distinguish two points that are close together.

The difference in intensity between two objects or between an object and its background.

The wavelength of the light used and the numerical aperture of the lens.

The ability of a lens to gather light.

Modern microscopes use shorter wavelength radiation, such as blue light or electron beams, and they have lenses with larger numerical apertures.

Modern microscopes have a greater resolving power than Leeuwenhoek's, allowing us to see objects much closer together.

Most microorganisms are colorless and have little contrast when viewed under a microscope.

The ability of a lens to gather and focus light.

A set of procedures used to minimize contamination in a laboratory setting.

Techniques used to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on surfaces or in liquids.

The study of microscopic organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists.

Staining solutions are used to enhance the visibility of microorganisms under a microscope.

Living organisms that are not visible to the naked eye.

The practice of preventing contamination of cultures, media, and other laboratory materials.

Maintaining a sterile working environment is essential for accurate and meaningful experimentation.

The use of specific dyes to identify and differentiate microorganisms.

A relationship where both partners benefit from the interaction, like cleaning stations on coral reefs where cleaner fish eat parasites off other fish, helping both fish.

This occurs when one organism benefits at the expense of another, often without killing it directly. For example, a parasite like a tapeworm living in a human's gut.

A type of interaction where one organism is negatively affected, while the other remains unharmed. Think of a large tree shading out smaller plants.

Microorganisms compete for limited resources like nutrients and space. The microbe that wins gets more resources, while other microbes may lose out.

This refers to an antagonistic relationship between microorganisms, where one organism inhibits the growth or survival of the other. It often involves molecules that produce harmful effects.

A special type of antagonism where one organism produces substances that inhibit the growth or survival of another. This is often used to discover and develop new antimicrobial drugs.

A type of relationship where two organisms benefit from the interaction, but one organism's waste product is used as an energy source by the second organism. Methane-producing bacteria and protozoans in termite guts exhibit this.

This interaction involves microorganisms competing for limited nutrients and space. Those with quicker growth rates and better adaptability can outcompete others, often leading to the dominance of a particular microbe.