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Questions and Answers
What is a microorganism?
A microorganism, or microbe, is an organism of microscopic size, which may exist in its single-celled form or as a colony of cells.
Who observed microorganisms under the microscope in the 1670s?
Anton van Leeuwenhoek observed microorganisms under the microscope in the 1670s.
When was the possible existence of unseen microbial life suspected?
The possible existence of unseen microbial life was suspected from ancient times, such as in Jain scriptures from sixth century BC India.
What did Louis Pasteur discover about microorganisms in the 1850s?
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What diseases were discovered to be caused by microorganisms in the 1880s?
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Study Notes
Microorganisms
- Microorganisms are organisms of microscopic size, existing as single cells or colonies of cells.
Historical Background
- The existence of unseen microbial life was suspected in ancient times, appearing in Jain scriptures from 6th century BC India.
Scientific Study of Microorganisms
- The scientific study of microorganisms began in the 1670s with observation under the microscope by Anton van Leeuwenhoek.
- In the 1850s, Louis Pasteur discovered that microorganisms cause food spoilage, refuting the theory of spontaneous generation.
- In the 1880s, Robert Koch discovered that microorganisms cause diseases such as tuberculosis, cholera, diphtheria, and anthrax.
Diversity of Microorganisms
- Microorganisms include most unicellular organisms from all three domains of life, making them extremely diverse.
- Two domains, Archaea and Bacteria, only contain microorganisms.
- The third domain, Eukaryota, includes multicellular organisms, as well as many unicellular protists and protozoans that are microbes.
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Description
Test your knowledge of microorganisms and their significance in the world. This quiz covers everything from the history of microbial life to the pioneering observations of Anton van Leeuwenhoek. Challenge yourself and learn more about these fascinating microscopic organisms!
