Seeing Microbes

Direct Perception

Phenomena that can be observed solely with one's senses.

Indirect Perception

Observation that requires a mediator.

Robert Hooke & Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

Pioneers of microscopy who observed cells and single cells (such as dental tartar) respectively.

Joseph Leidy

Observed multiple cellular morphologies in healthy millipedes and dental plaque, concluding it is a normal state.

Sergei Winogradsky

Advocated for studying microbes in their natural habitats, giving rise to microbial ecology.

Carl Woese

Developed 16S rDNA sequencing for surveying microbial diversity.

Genomics

Provides access to DNA, genes, and non-coding DNA to enable targeted gene sequencing.

Transcriptomics

Reflects what genes are being expressed by the microbiome.

Proteomics

Reflects enzymes currently circulating within the cell.

Metabolomics

Reflects small molecules and metabolic products circulating within the cell.

Biofilms

Single or multispecies assemblages residing within a matrix produced by some or all residents.