Fall Semester 2025: Final Exam Study Guide Part 3 of 3

This collection of flashcards covers key concepts, definitions, and historical figures in microbiology as outlined in the final exam study guide.

Bubonic plague

A disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, characterized by swollen lymph nodes.

Toxoplasmosis

An infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, often transmitted through cat feces.

Cat scratch disease

A bacterial disease caused by Bartonella henselae, typically transmitted by cats.

Abiogenesis vs. Biogenesis

Abiogenesis is the theory that life arises from non-living matter; biogenesis states that life arises from pre-existing life.

Germ Theory of Disease

The theory that microorganisms cause disease.

Robert Hooke

An early microbiologist known for identifying cells and publishing Micrographia.

Antoni van Leeuwenhoek

Considered the father of microbiology; first to observe single-celled organisms using a microscope.

John Needham

A biologist who believed in spontaneous generation after conducting experiments with boiled broth.

Francesco Redi 1668

An Italian biologist who debunked the concept of spontaneous generation through his experiments with meat and flies.

Lazzaro Spallanzani 1700s

A scientist who supported biogenesis and disproved Needham's experiments by sealing flasks.

Louis Pasteur 1861

A pioneer of microbiology known for pasteurization and disproving spontaneous generation.

Robert Koch

A microbiologist who developed Koch's postulates to establish causative relationships between microbes and disease.

John Snow

An epidemiologist known for tracing the source of a cholera outbreak in London.

Ignaz Semmelweis

A physician noted for introducing handwashing to prevent puerperal fever.

Joseph Lister

A surgeon who pioneered antiseptic surgery techniques.

Remak vs. Virchow

Debate over cell theory; Virchow proposed 'Omnis cellula e cellula' meaning every cell stems from another cell.

Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1)

Laboratories that deal with non-pathogenic microorganisms; example: Non-pathogenic E. coli.

Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2)

Laboratories handling moderate-risk pathogens, like Staphylococcus aureus and HIV.

Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3)

Laboratories working with pathogens that can be transmitted through the air, like Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4)

Laboratories that handle the most dangerous pathogens, such as the Ebola virus.

Hemolysis

The breakdown of red blood cells and the release of hemoglobin.

Alpha hemolysis

Partial lysis of red blood cells, typically showing a greenish discoloration on agar.

Beta hemolysis

Complete lysis of red blood cells, typically resulting in a clear area around bacterial growth on agar.

Directed flame sterilization

A method of controlling microorganisms by using a flame; very effective at killing pathogens.

Autoclave

A device that uses steam under pressure for sterilization, effective at killing spores.

UV light sterilization

A method using ultraviolet light to kill microorganisms; effective for surface decontamination but not for spores.

Ultrasound (US)

A method of using sound waves for microbial control, with specific applications in biofilm disruption.