Ch 1: Introduction to microbiology Flashcards
What is microbiology?
study of microorganisms
What is the resolution of the unaided human eye?
0.2 mm or 200 um
What did Robert Hooke contribute to the study of microbiology?
Used a microscope to first describe cells
-Came up w/ Cell Theory: all living things made up of cells
What did Antonie van Leeuwenhoek contribute to the study of microbiology?
Used a microscope to first see microbes
-called the animalcules
What did Louis Pasteur contribute to the study of microbiology?
Broth and swan neck flask experiments
- Disproved spontaneous generation
- Supported Biogenesis
- Yeasts convert sugar to alcohol
- Bacteria convert alcohol to acid (called disease)
What is epidemiology?
Studying disease trends in populations
Are microbial causes of death in the U.S. higher or lower than in the developing world?
Microbial causes of death are lower in the U.S.
What are the biggest factors determining life expectancy in developing countries?
Access to clean water and Healthcare
What are some “good” microbes used for?
- Cleaning oil spills and chemical wastes
- Make alcohol
- Produce vaccines
What is the role of normal flora (microbiome) in the human body?
Healthy gut
Long term antibiotic use kills good bacteria and causes C. diff to take over
What did Ignaz Semmelweis and Oliver Wendell Holmes contribute to the study of microbiology?
Showed that mothers who delivered their children w/ midwives had a lower instance of developing childbed fever then mothers who delivered w/ doctors/med students
-cleaner hands
What is the simplest and most effective method for reducing transmission of human diseases?
hand washing
What did Joseph Lister contribute to microbiology?
Aseptic Technique to prevent infection during surgeries
What did Edward Jenner contribute to microbiology?
Created first vaccine for variola major (smallpox)
What did Alexander Fleming contribute to microbiology?
Developed first antibiotic w/ penicillin
