LecTop1: Intro, History

Question 1

Why were Antony Van Leeuwenhoek’s simple microscopes able to magnify images so well?

Answer 1

The curvature that he was able to grind into his lenses caused the greater magnification.

Question 2

What microscope maker inspired Leeuwenhoek, the father of microbiology, to first examine microorganisms?

Answer 2

Robert Hooke.

Question 3

What scientist, in the mid-1800s disproved the theory of spontaneous generation and proposed the cell theory of life (the theory that all organisms are composed of cells)? Also proposed term of metabolism to demonstrate chemical processes that occur in cells.

Answer 3

Theodore Schwann

Question 4

Briefly describe the landmark experiment run by louis Pasteur to disprove spontaneous generation?

Answer 4

Two flasks.
One open to air one not.
Flask open to air showed microbial growth.
Closed flask remained sterile.

Question 5

What is Tyndallization?

Answer 5

A sterilizing technique developed by John Tyndall that used increased heat and pressure.

Question 6

Describe Germ Theory of Disease.

Answer 6

Disease is caused by infiltration of harmful microorganisms that grows within the body.

Question 7

Prior to Lister’s use of Phenol to disinfect operating sites and tools used during operations, it was believed that wound infections were caused by what?

Answer 7

Bad Smells or MYASMAS.

• Really microorganisms rotting flesh.
• The putrefaction stage of decomposition is associated with the anaerobic decomposition of proteins causing foul smells.

Question 8

What was one of Lister’s great contribution to microbiology?

Answer 8

Germ theory of disease.

Question 9

What are Koch’s four Postulates?

Answer 9

1. Microorganisms must be found in diseased animal but not healthy
2. Microorganism must be grown in pure culture from diseased animal
3. Cultured microorganisms must produce the disease in a healthy susceptible animal
4. Microorganisms must be re-isolated from the infected animal