MCB2610 Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Microbiology

Comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, major historical figures, concepts, and key sub-disciplines from MCB2610 Chapter 1.

Microbiology

The study of microscopic organisms (microbes) and their interactions with the environment, humans, food, and industrial applications.

Acellular

Description of biological entities that lack a cellular structure, such as viruses, viroids, and prions.

Prokaryote

A single-celled organism that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, comprising the domains Bacteria and Archaea.

Eukaryote

An organism whose cells contain a distinct nucleus enclosed within a nuclear membrane alongside membrane-bound organelles.

Peptidoglycan

A mesh-like polymer of sugars and amino acids that forms the cell wall of Bacteria.

Archaea

A domain of single-celled prokaryotes that lack peptidoglycan in their cell walls and frequently inhabit extreme environments.

Binomial Nomenclature

The formal system established by Carl Linnaeus in 1735 for naming organisms using two Latinized names: a capitalized genus followed by a lowercase species epithet.

Small Subunit Ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA)

Gene sequences analyzed by Carl Woese to categorize cellular organisms into three evolutionary domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Biofilm

A complex microbial community attached to a surface and enclosed within a protective, self-produced sticky matrix.

Normal Microbiota

The collection of microorganisms that routinely inhabit the internal and external body surfaces of healthy humans.

Commensalism

A symbiotic interaction where one organism benefits while the other remains unaffected.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship in which both participating organisms derive benefits.

Parasitism

A symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits at the physical expense of the host organism.

Spontaneous Generation

The historical hypothesis stating that living organisms can originate spontaneously from nonliving matter via a vital force.

Biogenesis

The principle stating that living cells can only arise from preexisting living cells.

Pasteurization

A heat-treatment process developed by Louis Pasteur to destroy spoilage microorganisms in food and beverages without altering taste.

Germ Theory of Disease

The principle asserting that specific microorganisms are the causative agents of specific infectious diseases.

Koch's Postulates

A set of four experimental criteria formulated by Robert Koch to confirm that a specific pathogen causes a given disease.

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

The 17th-century microscope maker known as the Father of Microbiology for his early observations of living single-celled animalcules.

Ignaz Semmelweis

The physician who demonstrated that hand washing by medical staff significantly reduced the transmission of childbed fever.

Joseph Lister

The surgeon who pioneered aseptic surgery by applying carbolic acid disinfectants to clean surgical wounds and instruments.

Florence Nightingale

The founder of modern nursing who integrated sanitation and aseptic protocols into healthcare environments.

Edward Jenner

The physician who developed the first successful vaccine in 1796 by using cowpox virus material to induce immunity against smallpox.

John Snow

An early epidemiologist who mapped cases of the 1854 London cholera outbreak and identified the contaminated Broad Street water pump as the source.

Alexander Fleming

The scientist who discovered the antibacterial properties of penicillin produced by Penicillium notatum in 1928.

Endosymbiotic Theory

The evolutionary theory proposing that eukaryotic mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from engulfed photosynthetic or aerobic prokaryotes.

Miller-Urey Experiment

A 1952 laboratory experiment simulating primitive Earth conditions to generate organic compounds like amino acids from inorganic precursors.

Fanny Hesse

The scientist who introduced agar as a solidifying agent for bacterial culture media in Robert Koch's laboratory.

Swan-Neck Flask

An S-shaped vessel crafted by Louis Pasteur that allowed air entry while preventing airborne microbes from contaminating broth, effectively disproving spontaneous generation.

Yersinia pestis

The bacterial agent of the Black Death (plague), transmitted through flea bites, infected animals, or respiratory droplets.

Bacteriology

The sub-discipline of microbiology dedicated to studying bacteria and archaea.

Mycology

The specialized field of microbiology focused on the study of fungi.

Virology

The branch of microbiology centered on studying viruses and acellular infectious agents.

Parasitology

The scientific discipline studying parasitic protozoa and multicellular animal parasites like helminths.

Immunology

The study of host immune defenses against infectious pathogens and disease processes.