Microbiology Ch 1: The Microbial World and You

Discovery of Microorganisms

• Antonie van Leeuwenhoek is credited with the discovery of microorganisms using magnifying lenses.

Hypotheses on the Origin of Life

• The hypothesis that life arises from nonliving matter is known as abiogenesis.

Cell Theory

• Biogenesis is the term for the theory that living cells arise only from preexisting living cells.
• The cell theory was proposed by scientists including Schleiden and Schwann, stating that all living things are composed of cells.

Microbiology and Related Fields

• Microbiology is the term for the study of microorganisms.
• The study of the interactions between microorganisms and their environment is referred to as microbial ecology.
• Mycology is the study of fungi.
• The study of protozoa and parasitic worms is known as parasitology.

Viral Discoveries

• The cause of mosaic disease of tobacco as a virus was discovered by Martinus Beijerinck.

Applications of Microorganisms

• Bioremediation is the application of microorganisms to clean up pollutants in the environment.

Emerging Diseases

• The term for new diseases and diseases increasing in incidence is emerging infectious diseases.

Pest Control Alternatives

• Biological control serves as an alternative to chemical pesticides in managing insect pest populations.

Medical Microbiology

• Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928, a groundbreaking antibiotic derived from the fungus Penicillium notatum.
• Approximately 1% of bacteria are pathogenic, meaning they can cause diseases in humans or other organisms.

Environmental Importance of Microorganisms

• Microorganisms decompose organic waste, recycling nutrients back into ecosystems.

Benefits of Microorganisms to Humans

• Knowledge of microorganisms aids in developing antibiotics, vaccines, and understanding disease mechanisms.

Photosynthesis Contributions

• Through photosynthesis, microorganisms, such as algae, produce oxygen and organic compounds, contributing significantly to the ecosystem.

Get ready to explore the fascinating world of microbiology! Test your knowledge on microorganisms, their benefits and harms, and discover the importance of microbiology in our daily lives.