Overview
This lecture reviews the history of microbiology, focusing on key figures, their contributions, and foundational concepts students need to know for exams.
Key Historical Figures in Microbiology
- Robert Hooke first observed larger cells using a microscope and coined the term "cell," beginning cell theory.
- Antonie van Leeuwenhoek developed a stronger microscope lens, observed live microorganisms, and is called the father of microbiology.
- Francesco Redi challenged the spontaneous generation theory by showing maggots only appear when flies have access to meat.
- Louis Pasteur disproved spontaneous generation, provided evidence for biogenesis, discovered fermentation, developed pasteurization, and supported the germ theory of disease.
- Edward Jenner founded vaccination by showing cowpox exposure provided immunity to smallpox.
- Joseph Lister applied germ theory to surgery, introduced handwashing and phenol for antiseptic surgery, and decreased surgical infections.
- Robert Koch identified disease-causing bacteria, developed pure culture techniques, and established Koch’s postulates for linking microbes to diseases.
- Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the first natural antibiotic.
Important Concepts and Theories
- Cell theory: All living things are made of cells.
- Spontaneous generation: Old belief that life arises from non-living matter.
- Biogenesis: Principle that living cells arise only from preexisting cells.
- Germ theory of disease: Diseases are caused by microorganisms.
- Pasteurization: Heating liquids to kill microbes and prevent spoilage.
- Vaccination: Using weakened microbes to provide immunity.
Koch’s Postulates
- Pathogen must be present in all diseased and absent in healthy organisms.
- Pathogen must be isolated and grown in pure culture.
- Healthy individuals infected with the pathogen must develop the disease.
- Pathogen must be re-isolated from the newly diseased host.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Cell — The basic unit of life, as defined by cell theory.
- Spontaneous Generation — Theory that life arises from non-living matter.
- Biogenesis — Concept that life comes only from preexisting life.
- Pasteurization — Process of heating to kill spoilage microbes.
- Vaccination — Administration of a harmless microbe to provoke immunity.
- Antiseptic Surgery — Surgical techniques using chemicals to prevent infection.
- Pure Culture — A lab method to grow a single species of microbe.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review lecture notes and microbiology flashcards, focusing on bold, red text.
- Study Koch’s postulates and the main contributions of each scientist discussed.