History of Microbiology Flashcards
What did Robert Hooke report in 1665?
Living things were composed of little boxes or cells
What is the cell theory?
The theory that all living things are composed of cells
Which scientist described what he saw in rainwater and tooth scrapings as animalcules?
Anton van Leeuwenhoek
What is the theory of spontaneous generation?
The hypothesis that living organisms arise from non-living matter; a ‘vital force’ forms life
What did Francesco Redi do to disprove spontaneous generation?
Filled two jars with meat. One jar sealed - no maggots appeared. One open jar - maggots appeared
What was the argument against Redi’s work?
Antagonists claimed that sealing the jar prevented fresh air which was the vital force from getting to the meat.
Why was Redi’s work a blow to the spontaneous theory?
He used a gauze instead of fully sealing the lid allowing air in, maggots didn’t appear. Scientists believed that small organisms could still be generated from non-living materials.
What was John Needhams role in the argument?
He claimed spontaneous generation was the correct theory
What experiment did John Needham conduct?
Put boiled nutrient broth into covered flasks. Claimed microbes developed spontaneously from the fluids
What was Lazzaro Spallanzani’s role in the debate?
Sealed jars, boiled nutrient broth. Microbes weren’t present. Suggesting microbes from air entered the broth.
What is the theory of biogenesis and who came up with it?
The hypothesis that living organisms arise from pre-existing life - Rudolf Virchow
Who resolved the argument between Biogenesis and Spontaneous Generation?
Louis Pasteur
What experiment did Louis Pasteur conduct?
Repeated Spallanzani’s work with a S-shaped neck to allow air in because Spallanzani’s work was criticized for not allowing air in.
Why was the liquid not contaminated in Louis Pasteurs experiments?
The microorganisms were trapped in the bend, oxygen was allowed in so the liquid remained sterile.
When was the Golden Age of microbiology?
1857-1914
Main scientists leading the Golden Age of Microbiology?
Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch
What were the two main discoveries in the Golden Age of Microbiology?
Relationship between microbes and disease (germ theory) discovered and advances in the role of immunity in combating disease
How did Pasteur prevent wine and beer souring?
Found yeast converting sugars to alcohol. In air bacteria turned alcohol to acetic acid (vinegar) causing spoilage. Spoilage bacteria killed by applying high heat for a short time.
What was thought to be the causes of disease pre-Pasteur?
Unknown overall. Evil spirits and punishment.
What is the Germ Theory of Disease?
The realisation that microbes cause disease
What did Ignaz Semmelweis bring to the Germ Theory in the 1840’s?
Physicians who didn’t wash their hands transmitted infections. Advocated hand washing.
What did John Snow bring to the Germ Theory in the 1850’s?
Demonstrated cholera outbreak in Soho was due to contaminated water. Traced outbreak to a simple pump, removed handle.
What did Joseph Lister bring to the table in the 1860’s?
Used chemical disinfectant carbolic acid - phenol to prevent surgical wound infections
When and who proved that bacteria actually caused disease?
In the 1870’s - specifically 1876 Robert Koch
