Microbiology Introduction and Basics

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on the fundamental concepts, history, and classification of microorganisms discussed in the lecture.

Microbiology

The scientific study of microorganisms and their interactions with other living things and the environment.

Microorganism

A microscopic organism that can be beneficial to human health or found in various environments across the globe.

Animalcules

The term first used by Antoni van Leeuwenhoek to describe the microscopic organisms he observed under the microscope.

Antoni van Leeuwenhoek

The first scientist to observe and describe "animalcules" using a microscope.

Alexander Fleming

The scientist credited with the discovery of the first antibiotic.

Penicillin

The first antibiotic discovered, which revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections.

Opportunistic microbe

A microorganism that does not normally cause disease but can become pathogenic under certain conditions, such as when the host's immune system is suppressed.

Commensal microbe

A microorganism that lives on or within a host organism and derives benefit without causing harm or necessarily providing a benefit to the host.

Pathogenic microbe

A microorganism that is capable of causing disease in its host.

Microbial Cells

Living cells used by scientists as models for understanding the fundamental basis of life processes.