MCB2010: Chapter 1 review MCB2010
Broward college Daniel Kulangara
Questions and Answers.
Who is credited with the discovery of bacteria using a magnifying glass as a microscope? -
Answer Antony Van Leeuwenhoek
Who is the scientist credited with the discovery of cells, particularly through the observation of
a thin slice of cork, using an early microscope? - Answer Robert Hooke
What is spontaneous generation, and how did it describe the belief about the origin of life from
non-living material? - Answer spontaneous generation is the belief that life could arise
spontaneously from non-living material. For example maggots randomly appearing on decaying
meat. It was proven wrong through scientific experiments done by Louis Pasteur.
How did Louis Pasteur's experiments with swan-necked flasks contribute to the understanding
that air is filled with microorganisms, and what was the significance of this discovery? - Answer
Using a swan-necked flask prevented microorganisms and dust from reaching what was inside
the flask (ex: meat), therefore there was no growth of maggots (in this example). Instead, when
exposed to the microorganisms in the air, maggots can grow on the meat. This proved that
organisms come from pre-existing organisms and refuted the idea of spontaneous generation.
Who is credited with the discovery of endospores, and what is the significance of endospores in
bacterial survival? - Answer Ferdinand Cohn. The significance is that it proved that some
bacterias can resist harsh conditions. For example, if normal bacteria is present in broth A, and
endospore (specialized bacteria) in broth B, when exposed to high temperatures, bacteria in
broth A is killed and cannot grow, while in broth B endospores survived and can be active again
and grow.
How does the normal human microbiome contribute to preventing disease, aiding in digestion,
promoting the development of the immune system, and potentially affecting brain chemistry
and body weight? - Answer By competing with disease-causing microbes, assisting in the
breakdown of carbs, interacting with immune cells stimulating the immune system, and being
involved in complex pathways between the gut and brain.
How do microorganisms in the environment contribute to nutrient recycling, oxygen
production, nitrogen fixation, and the decomposition of material - Answer By using
decomposed material, produce oxygen through photosynthesis, and contribute to nitrogen
fixation through interactions with plant roots, converting N2 into NO3.
What are some commercial benefits of microorganisms, including their roles in food production,
biodegradation, the production of commercially valuable products, biotechnology, and genetic
Broward college Daniel Kulangara
Questions and Answers.
Who is credited with the discovery of bacteria using a magnifying glass as a microscope? -
Answer Antony Van Leeuwenhoek
Who is the scientist credited with the discovery of cells, particularly through the observation of
a thin slice of cork, using an early microscope? - Answer Robert Hooke
What is spontaneous generation, and how did it describe the belief about the origin of life from
non-living material? - Answer spontaneous generation is the belief that life could arise
spontaneously from non-living material. For example maggots randomly appearing on decaying
meat. It was proven wrong through scientific experiments done by Louis Pasteur.
How did Louis Pasteur's experiments with swan-necked flasks contribute to the understanding
that air is filled with microorganisms, and what was the significance of this discovery? - Answer
Using a swan-necked flask prevented microorganisms and dust from reaching what was inside
the flask (ex: meat), therefore there was no growth of maggots (in this example). Instead, when
exposed to the microorganisms in the air, maggots can grow on the meat. This proved that
organisms come from pre-existing organisms and refuted the idea of spontaneous generation.
Who is credited with the discovery of endospores, and what is the significance of endospores in
bacterial survival? - Answer Ferdinand Cohn. The significance is that it proved that some
bacterias can resist harsh conditions. For example, if normal bacteria is present in broth A, and
endospore (specialized bacteria) in broth B, when exposed to high temperatures, bacteria in
broth A is killed and cannot grow, while in broth B endospores survived and can be active again
and grow.
How does the normal human microbiome contribute to preventing disease, aiding in digestion,
promoting the development of the immune system, and potentially affecting brain chemistry
and body weight? - Answer By competing with disease-causing microbes, assisting in the
breakdown of carbs, interacting with immune cells stimulating the immune system, and being
involved in complex pathways between the gut and brain.
How do microorganisms in the environment contribute to nutrient recycling, oxygen
production, nitrogen fixation, and the decomposition of material - Answer By using
decomposed material, produce oxygen through photosynthesis, and contribute to nitrogen
fixation through interactions with plant roots, converting N2 into NO3.
What are some commercial benefits of microorganisms, including their roles in food production,
biodegradation, the production of commercially valuable products, biotechnology, and genetic
