Historical Perspective Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is Microbiology?
The study of microscopic life. This includes microorganisms and agents too small to be seen with the naked eye (less than 1mm).
Name the major groups of microorganisms.
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, algae, archaea, and prions.
Define Bacteriology.
The branch of microbiology that studies bacteria, including their cultivation, identification, classification, nutrition, growth, genetics, epidemiology, and chemotherapy.
Who observed ‘little animals’ (bacteria and protozoa) using his microscope?
Anton van Leeuwenhoek
What theory, disproven by Pasteur, stated that living organisms could arise from non-living matter?
Spontaneous Generation
State the four components of Koch’s Postulates.
- The microorganism must be present in every case of the disease but absent from healthy animals.
- The suspected microorganism must be isolated and grown in a pure culture.
- The same disease must result when the isolated microorganism is inoculated into a healthy host.
- The same microorganism must be isolated again from the diseased host.
Name one important development that occurred during the Golden Age of Microbiology.
Possible answers include: Development of agar for culturing microorganisms, the Petri dish, Gram stain, discovery of viruses, vaccinations, discovery of penicillin.
What is a key focus of modern microbiology?
To understand and effectively solve microbiological problems, including rapid detection of pathogens and methods to control bacterial growth.
According to the PDF, where are microorganisms ubiquitous (found everywhere)?
In food, water, soil, air, surfaces, and in/on humans (skin, intestines, mouth).
Give an example of a beneficial role of microorganisms.
Possible answers include: food production (fermentation), normal body flora, decomposition, bioremediation.
What is the size range that typically requires a microscope for viewing microorganisms?
Less than 1 mm in diameter.
Name a scientist who contributed to the disproving of spontaneous generation.
Francesco Redi or Louis Pasteur (or Lazzaro Spallanzani).
Who is credited with the first scientific smallpox vaccination?
Edward Jenner
Who discovered penicillin?
Alexander Fleming
What is the importance of normal body flora (normal commensals)?
While the PDF doesn’t explicitly detail their importance in Chapter 1, they generally play a role in preventing colonization by pathogens and can contribute to some bodily functions.
