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What are microorganisms/microbes?
Typically unicellular organisms that are too small to see with the unaided eye, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, and viruses.
What percentage of microorganisms are pathogens?
Only a small percentage of microorganisms are pathogens; most are beneficial and involved in environmental balance.
Name three roles of microorganisms in the ecosystem.
Breakdown waste, fix nitrogen, and photosynthesis.
Who established the nomenclature for organisms?
Carolus Linnaeus in 1735.
What is the format of the scientific name of an organism?
It consists of a genus name (capitalized) and a species name (lowercase), both italicized or underlined (e.g., Escherichia coli).
What did Robert Hooke contribute to microbiology?
Developed the first microscope and proposed the cell theory, stating that all living things are composed of cells.
What did Antonie van Leeuwenhoek observe?
He enhanced microscope magnification and published observations of tiny live moving objects, which he called "animalcules."
What was the prevailing thought before the germ theory of disease?
The theory of spontaneous generation, which suggested that life could arise spontaneously from non-living matter.
Who proposed the theory of biogenesis?
Rudolf Virchow in 1858, stating that living cells can only arise from living cells.
What did Louis Pasteur demonstrate regarding microbes?
He showed that microbes in the air could contaminate sterile solutions and that air cannot give rise to microbes, disproving spontaneous generation.
What is aseptic technique?
Methods used to prevent contamination by unwanted microorganisms during laboratory procedures.
What is the significance of the "one pathogen to one disease" paradigm?
It was developed based on Koch's postulates and shaped the understanding of infectious diseases.
Who developed the first antibiotic and what was it?
Alexander Fleming developed penicillin in 1928 for treating Staphylococcus infections.
What are the main branches of microbiology?
Bacteriology, mycology, phycology, parasitology, virology, immunology, and recombinant DNA technology.
What is chemotherapy in the context of microbiology?
The treatment of disease using chemicals, including antibiotics produced by microbes.
What is the role of gut microbiota?
They assist in digestion and contribute to overall health.
What is bioremediation?
The use of microorganisms to remove or neutralize contaminants from the environment.
What is the significance of vaccines in microbiology?
Vaccines are developed to provide immunity against specific pathogens, preventing diseases.
What is the difference between antibiotics and synthetic drugs?
Antibiotics are produced by one microbe to kill another, while synthetic drugs are chemically synthesized in the lab to treat infections.
How did Lister contribute to microbiology?
He introduced antiseptic techniques in surgery to reduce infections, knowing that phenol could kill bacteria.
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