Micro

Microbiology

The study of microscopic organisms.

Spontaneous generation

The discredited idea that life can arise from non-living matter.

Aristotle

Ancient philosopher who believed in spontaneous generation.

Francesco Redi

Conducted experiments to disprove spontaneous generation by demonstrating that flies come from eggs.

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

Considered the 'Father of Microbiology', he was the first to observe microorganisms.

Nitrogen cycle

The process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms.

Nitrogen fixation

The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH3).

Rhizobium bacteria

Bacteria that live in nodules on legume roots and fix nitrogen.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.

Cellular respiration

The metabolic process by which living organisms convert fuel into energy.

Erosion

The process by which limestone and other materials are worn away, returning carbon to the environment.

Mutualism

A type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.

Commensalism

A type of relationship where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected.

Parasitism

A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another.

Antibiotics

Substances produced by microorganisms that inhibit the growth of other bacteria.

Nucleic acids

Molecules that carry genetic information, including DNA and RNA.

Bacteriocins

Antibacterial proteins produced by bacteria that are toxic to other bacteria.