History of microiology Flashcards
Who is considered the father of microbiology?
Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek ( 1674-1723)
what is the theory of spontaneous generation?
The theory that linving organisms can arise from non-living matter.
Who disproved the theory of spontaneous generation?
Louis Pasteur
What is pasteurization?
A heat treatment process that kills harmful microorganisms in food and beverages.
Who developed the first widely used antibiotic?
Alexander Fleming
What is the germ theory of disease?
The theory that microoganisms are the cause of many diseases.
Who developed the Gram Staining Technique?
Christian Gram
What is the main purpose of Koch’s Postulates?
To establish a causal relationship between a specific microorganism and specific disease.
Who developed the vaccine for smallpox?
Edward Jenner
What are bacteriophages?
Viruses that infect bacteria.
What is the role of the complement system in the immune system?
A component of the immune system that helps eliminate pathogens.
What is the significance of the discovery of blood groups?
It led to safe blood transfusions and advancements in immunology.
What i the BCG vaccine used for?
To protect against tuberculosis.
What is the main focus of modern microbiology?
Molecular biology, genetics, biotecnology, and the application of microbiology in medicine, industry, and environmental science.
What is the significance of the microbiome?
The collection of microorganisms that live in a particular habitat, such as the human body, is crucial for health and well-being.
What is the contribution of Joseph Jackson Lister to microbiology?
Liater improved the compound microscope, making it easier to observe microorganisms.
What is the significance of the Petri dish in microbiology?
The petri dish, invented by Julius Petri, provides a sterile environment for growing and culturing microorganisms.
What is the importance of microbial staining techniques?
Staining technique, like Gram staining, allow us to differentiate between different types of bacteria and make them visible under the microscope.
What is the relationship between microbial metabolism and the environment?
Microorganisms play a vital role in nutrient cycles (like carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur) and in symbiotic relationships with plants, impacting the environment.
Who is credited with the discovery of transforming principle in bacteria?
Frederick Griffith.
His experiments demonstrate that genetic material can be transferred between bacteria.
What are the main types of industrial applications of microorganisms?
Microorganisms are used in fermentation processes to produce various products, including alcohol, vitamins, and organic acids. They also play a role in food production ( cheese, bread, wine).
How did the germ theory of disease impact public health and sanitation practices?
The germ theory led to better sanitation practices and an understanding of the link between microbes and disease, resulting in significant improvements in public health.
What are some of the challenges facing modern microbiology?
Emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and the need to develop new vaccines and technologies continue to be major challenges in microbiology.
What is the significance of magic bullet in the history of medicine?
Paul Ehrlich’s concept of magic bullet refers to a chemical that targets a specific pathogen without harming the host. It laid the foundation of the development of chemotherapy.
What is the role of microbial genetics in modern microbiology?
Microbial genetics studies the genetic material of microorganisms, enabling us to understand how they function, evolve, and respond to changes in their environment.
