Topic 1.1: The Microbial World

Practice flashcards covering the basics of microbiology including naming conventions, cell types, classification systems, historical figures, and fundamental theories.

Binomial nomenclature

A two-part scientific naming system consisting of the genus and the specific epithet.

Genus

The first word in a scientific name that is always capitalized and italicized (or underlined).

Specific epithet

The second word in a scientific name that is always lowercase and italicized (or underlined).

Species name

The combination of the genus and the specific epithet (e.g., Escherichia coli).

Bacteria

Single-celled prokaryotic organisms that lack a nucleus.

Archaea

Single-celled prokaryotic organisms that are genetically distinct from bacteria and lack a nucleus.

Fungi

Eukaryotic organisms that include yeasts and molds and possess cells with nuclei.

Protozoa

Usually single-celled, animal-like eukaryotic protists.

Algae

Photosynthetic eukaryotic protists with cells that have nuclei.

Viruses

Acellular entities that are not made of cells and require host cells to reproduce; they are not considered prokaryotic or eukaryotic.

Helminths

Multicellular eukaryotic animals, specifically parasitic worms.

Prokaryotic cells

Cells that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells that contain a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Three-domain system

A classification system developed by Carl Woese based on ribosomal RNA, dividing life into Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Robert Hooke

Scientist who observed cork under a microscope, introduced the term 'cell,' and described microscopic fungi.

Anton van Leeuwenhoek

The first person to observe and describe living microorganisms, which he referred to as 'animalcules.'

Francesco Redi

Scientist who challenged spontaneous generation by demonstrating that maggots came from flies’ eggs rather than decaying meat.

John Needham

A supporter of spontaneous generation who observed microbial growth in boiled broth that had been sealed with inadequate conditions.

Lazzaro Spallanzani

Scientist who opposed spontaneous generation by showing that no microbial growth occurred in boiled broth if it was sealed and not exposed to air.

Rudolf Virchow

A proponent of biogenesis who proposed that living cells arise from preexisting living cells.

Louis Pasteur

Scientist who disproved spontaneous generation using swan-neck flasks, supported biogenesis, established germ theory, and developed pasteurization and vaccines.

Ignaz Semmelweis

Physician who demonstrated that handwashing greatly reduced puerperal (childbed) fever in maternity patients.

Joseph Lister

Scientist who introduced antiseptic surgery by using chemicals to reduce microorganisms in wounds and operating areas.

Robert Koch

Scientist who proved that specific microbes cause specific diseases and developed a set of postulates to identify the causes of anthrax, tuberculosis, and cholera.

Edward Jenner

Scientist who developed the first successful vaccine using cowpox to protect against smallpox.

Alexander Fleming

Scientist who discovered penicillin after observing that Penicillium mold inhibited bacterial growth.

Spontaneous generation

The outdated belief that living organisms could arise directly from nonliving material.

Biogenesis

The principle that living organisms come only from other living organisms.

Germ Theory of Disease

The theory stating that many diseases are caused by the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in a host.

Kochʼs postulates

A series of four steps designed to show a cause-and-effect relationship between a particular microbe and a particular disease.