What is Microbiology? (By process) This field includes other branches of microbiology such as: The first systematic applications of Microbiology
is the study of microscopic organisms, such as 1. Microbial Metabolism – the means by which a o Microbial ecology Louis Pasteur (1822-1895)
bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi and protozoa. microbe obtains the energy and nutrients (e.g. o Microbially mediated nutrient cycling
study of microbes or microorganisms carbon) it needs to live and reproduce. o Geomicrobiology (studies the relation of microbes 1857 Microbiology of Lactic Acid fermentation
1860 Role of yeast in ethanolic fermentation
Microbes, or microorganisms are minute living 2. Microbial Genetics - the study of how genes are with some geological substances like formation of
- Advances in applied microbiology led to the
things that are usually unable to be viewed organized and regulated in microbes in relation to coal ,mineral and gas formation as well as recovery of
their cellular functions. Closely related to the field of minerals from low grade ores), development of microbiology
with the naked eye.
discipline includes fundamental research on the molecular biology. o Microbial diversity, Bioremediation (use of micro-
3. Microbial Ecology - the relationship between organisms to clean air, water and soils). His discoveries reduced the mortality for puerperal fever
biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, ecology,
microorganisms and their environment. and he made the first vaccine or rabies. He also made it
evolution and clinical aspects of microorganisms,
Other Fields: important to make sure that surgeries were more sterile.
including the host response to these agents. 4. Immunology – study immune response of humans to
In 1888 he founded the Pasteur Institute and was named
is the study of microorganisms usually less than 1mm microorganisms 1. Astro microbiology - study of microorganisms in director. He is regarded as one of the main founders of
in diameter which requires some form of outer space
Applied Microbiology: modern microbiology, together with Ferdinand Cohn and
magnification to be seen clearly. 2. Biological agent - study of those microorganisms Robert Koch.
1. Medical Microbiology - the study of the which are being used in weapon industries.
Examples: pathogenic microbes and the role of microbes in 3. Nano microbiology - the study of those organisms Puerperal fever, are any bacterial infections of the female
• Bacteria • Fungi • Archae • Algae • Protozoa • Viruses human illness. on nano level. reproductive tract following childbirth or miscarriage
2. Pharmaceutical microbiology - the study of 4. Predictive microbiology - the quantification of
Microorganism are ubiquitous in nature. microorganisms that are related to the production relations between controlling factors in foods and DISCOVERY ERA
These microorganisms has a great effect on other of antibiotics, enzymes, vitamins, vaccines, and responses of pathogenic and spoilage Aristotle: believed that living things came from non-
life forms like human beings, plants and animals in other pharmaceutical products and that cause microorganisms using mathematical modelling living things
several ways. pharmaceutical contamination and spoil. Anthony Van Leeuwenhoek: father of Bacteriology,
Their effects to the environment may be desirable 3. Industrial microbiology - the exploitation of Importance of Microorganisms
Protozoology and Microbiology. Described micro-
or undesirable. microbes for use in industrial processes. Examples - Most populous and diverse organisms such as bacteria and protozoa as
They show wide range of activity and diversity include industrial fermentation and wastewater - Found everywhere on the plant animalcules
treatment. Closely linked to the biotechnology - Play a major role in recycling essential elements Rogen Bacon: described that the disease was caused
industry. This field also includes brewing. - A source of nutrients (at the base of ecological by a minute “seed” or “germ”.
BRANCHES OF MICROBIOLOGY
4. Microbial biotechnology - the manipulation of food webs) and some carry out photosynthesis
Pure Microbiology: microorganisms at the genetic and molecular level - Benefit society by their production of food, ABIOGENESIS (Spontaneous Generation)
(By kind of organism) to generate useful products beverages, antibiotics and vitamins 1. Empedocles (540-433 BC) - life originated by itself
1) Microbial taxonomy - is a means by which 5. Food microbiology - the study of microorganisms - Some carry diseases in animals and plants from non-living matter and imperfect forms were
microorganisms can be grouped together. causing food spoilage and foodborne illness. Using - Most decomposers are microbes replaced by perfect forms.
Organisms having similarities with respect to microorganisms to produce foods (e.g. by
Importance/Applications 2. Aristotle (384-322BC) - living forms are animated
the criteria used are in the same group, and fermentation).
forms of non-living matter. Vital forms operate
are separated from the other groups of 6. Agricultural microbiology -the study of
• Agriculture/ Aquaculture constantly and improve the living world.
microorganisms that have different agriculturally relevant microorganisms.
• Food processing
characteristics. Taxonomy is the science of 7. Water microbiology (or aquatic microbiology) -
• Biogeochemical cycles o 600 BC up to the 2nd half of the 19th century:
biological classification. The study of those microorganisms that are found
• Pest management believed that life could arise spontaneously from
2) Bacteriology – study of bacteria in water.
• Decomposition non-living substances.
3) Phycology/algology - the study of algae 8. Aeromicrobiology (or air microbiology) -The study
• Waste management o Living organisms originated in the sea lime under the
4) Mycology – study of fungi of airborne microorganisms.
• Pollution Prevention and Mitigation influence of environmental factors s.a. heat, air, sun
5) Protozoology – study of protozoa 9. Environmental microbiology - the study of the
Human Insulin Production o The origin of life without apparent cause.
6) Parasitology – study of parasites function and diversity of microbes in their natural
7) Virology –study of virus environments.
3. Thales (624-548 BC) - oceanic water was the mother
from which all living forms originated.
, 4. Rogen Bacon: Disease is caused by a minute “SEED” or SPONTANEOUS GENERATION/ABIOGENESIS Challenging the Spontaneous Generation Theory: o His experiments were later challenged and
“GERM” (The germ theory of disease). repeated by Lazzaro Spallanzani, an Italian scientist.
Early belief that some forms of life could arise from Francisco Redi (18 February 1626- 1 March 1697) Using a slightly different protocol (with a longer
TIMELINE “vital forces” present in nonliving or decomposing boiling time), Spallanzani did not grow any
matter, abiogenesis. In other words, organisms can o Redi's experiment simply but effectively microbes in his sealed flasks, contradicting
1677 observed little animals
arise form non-livingmatter. demonstrates that life is necessary to produce life. Needham’s findings.
1796 first small pox vaccination
1850 advocated washing of hands to stop the spread of Redi expressed this in his famous dictum as "Omne
disease vivum ex vivo" ("All life comes from life"). Lazzaro Spallanzani (12 January 1729 – 11 February
1861 disproved spontaneous generation o Francesco Redi (1668) placed fresh meat in open 1799)
1862 supported germ theory of disease containers [left]: as expected, the rotting meat
1867 practiced antiseptic surgery attracted flies, and the meat was soon swarming o Lazzaro Spallanzani's Experiment proved
1876 first proof of germ theory of disease with B. with maggots, which hatched into flies. microorganisms could be killed by boiling. He
anthracis discovery o When the jars were covered so that flies could not believed microbes move through the air and could
1881 growth of bacteria on solid media get in [middle], no maggots were produced. be killed by boiling.
1882 outlined Koch’s postulates o To answer the objection that the cover cut off fresh o Spallanzani filled 4 flasks with a broth. One flask
1882 developed acid fast stain air necessary for spontaneous generation, Redi was left opened, one flask was sealed, one flask
ABIOGENESIS BIOGENESIS
1884 developed gram stain Refers to the theory of Refers to the theory of covered the jars with porous gauze [right] instead was boiled and left open, and one flask was boiled
1885 first rabies vaccination origin of life, that life origin of life, that life of an air-tight cover. and sealed.
1887 invented petri dish originated from inorganic or originated from pre-existing o Flies were attracted to the smell of the rotting o The first flask was left open and turned cloudy,
1892 discovered viruses inanimate substances. living matter. meat, clustered on the gauze, which was soon and microbes were found. flask two remained
1899 discovered viral dependence on cells for Proposed by Alexander Proposed by Theodore swarming with maggots, but the meat itself sealed and again microbes were found and the
Oparin, Stanley Miller, Schwann, Matthias remained free of maggots. Thus flies are necessary broth was cloudy. Flask three again the same
reproduction
Harold Urey Schleiden and Rudolf to produce flies: they do not arise spontaneously thing happened. However in flask four the broth
1990 proved that mosquitoes carried the yellow fever Virchow
agent from rotting meat. was not cloudy and no microbes were found.
States that life on earth States that life on earth is
1910 discovered cure for syphilis o This proved to Lazzaro that microbes do not form
originated from nonliving originated from pre-existing
1928 discovered penicillin compounds life forms Louis Joblot (9 August 1645 – 27 April 1723) out of nowhere. If microbes formed out of
1977 discovered a method to sequence DNA Not scientifically proved Proved by scientific nowhere then all flasks would have microbes.
1983 polymerase chain reaction invented experiments o In 1710 Joblot conducted an experiment in which Critics of Spallanzani said he killed the life force
1995 first microbial genomic sequence published Based on observations and Based on practical he divided a hay infusion that had been boiled into that was required for spontaneous generation.
national thoughts experiments and material containers: a heated container that was closed to
evidence This experiment paved the way for research later done by
ROBERT HOOKE (28 July 1635 – 3 March 1703) the air and a heated container that was freely open
to the air. Only the open vessel developed Louis Pasteur.
• One of the most important discoveries of biology microorganism. This further helped disproved
TRANSITION ERA Some Early Observations in Microbiology
occurred in 1665, with the help of a crude microscope, abiogenesis.
when he stated that life’s smallest structural units were 1. Francesco Redi (18 February 1626- 1 March 1697): INVESTIGAT TIME OBSERVATIONS/CONCLUSIONS
cells. John Needham (10 September 1713 – 30 December OR. FRAME
shows that maggots would not arise from decaying
1781 Aristotle 4th Living things do not need
ANTONY VAN LEEUWENHOEK (24 October 1632 – 26 meat when covered century parents; spontaneous
August 1723) B.C generation apparently occurs
2. John Needham: proposed that tiny organisms o English scientist who tried to prove spontaneous
Girolamo Mid- “Contagion” passes among
• First to observe bacteria, Robert Hooke was the first to (animalcules) arose spontaneously. Covered the generation Francostoro 1500s individuals, objects, and air
observe a microorganism. flasks with cork like Redi, still microbes appeared. o Sealed a bottle of gravy and heated it to kill any life. Kircher Mid- “Microscopic worms” are
• His single-lens magnified 50300X magnification Found life several days later which he claimed from 1600s present in blood of plague
• Between 1674-1723, he wrote series of papers 3. Lazzaro Spallanzani: demonstrated that air carried the gravy. victims
o Flaw of the experiment: flask was not sealed and Redi Mid- Fly larvae arise by spontaneous
describing his observations of bacteria, algae, protozoa, germs to the culture medium. Boiled broth would not
was exposed to the air. 1600s generation
and fungi (Animalcules) give rise to microscopic life forms.
Van Late Microscopic organisms are
Leewenhoek 1600s present in numerous
is the study of microscopic organisms, such as 1. Microbial Metabolism – the means by which a o Microbial ecology Louis Pasteur (1822-1895)
bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi and protozoa. microbe obtains the energy and nutrients (e.g. o Microbially mediated nutrient cycling
study of microbes or microorganisms carbon) it needs to live and reproduce. o Geomicrobiology (studies the relation of microbes 1857 Microbiology of Lactic Acid fermentation
1860 Role of yeast in ethanolic fermentation
Microbes, or microorganisms are minute living 2. Microbial Genetics - the study of how genes are with some geological substances like formation of
- Advances in applied microbiology led to the
things that are usually unable to be viewed organized and regulated in microbes in relation to coal ,mineral and gas formation as well as recovery of
their cellular functions. Closely related to the field of minerals from low grade ores), development of microbiology
with the naked eye.
discipline includes fundamental research on the molecular biology. o Microbial diversity, Bioremediation (use of micro-
3. Microbial Ecology - the relationship between organisms to clean air, water and soils). His discoveries reduced the mortality for puerperal fever
biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, ecology,
microorganisms and their environment. and he made the first vaccine or rabies. He also made it
evolution and clinical aspects of microorganisms,
Other Fields: important to make sure that surgeries were more sterile.
including the host response to these agents. 4. Immunology – study immune response of humans to
In 1888 he founded the Pasteur Institute and was named
is the study of microorganisms usually less than 1mm microorganisms 1. Astro microbiology - study of microorganisms in director. He is regarded as one of the main founders of
in diameter which requires some form of outer space
Applied Microbiology: modern microbiology, together with Ferdinand Cohn and
magnification to be seen clearly. 2. Biological agent - study of those microorganisms Robert Koch.
1. Medical Microbiology - the study of the which are being used in weapon industries.
Examples: pathogenic microbes and the role of microbes in 3. Nano microbiology - the study of those organisms Puerperal fever, are any bacterial infections of the female
• Bacteria • Fungi • Archae • Algae • Protozoa • Viruses human illness. on nano level. reproductive tract following childbirth or miscarriage
2. Pharmaceutical microbiology - the study of 4. Predictive microbiology - the quantification of
Microorganism are ubiquitous in nature. microorganisms that are related to the production relations between controlling factors in foods and DISCOVERY ERA
These microorganisms has a great effect on other of antibiotics, enzymes, vitamins, vaccines, and responses of pathogenic and spoilage Aristotle: believed that living things came from non-
life forms like human beings, plants and animals in other pharmaceutical products and that cause microorganisms using mathematical modelling living things
several ways. pharmaceutical contamination and spoil. Anthony Van Leeuwenhoek: father of Bacteriology,
Their effects to the environment may be desirable 3. Industrial microbiology - the exploitation of Importance of Microorganisms
Protozoology and Microbiology. Described micro-
or undesirable. microbes for use in industrial processes. Examples - Most populous and diverse organisms such as bacteria and protozoa as
They show wide range of activity and diversity include industrial fermentation and wastewater - Found everywhere on the plant animalcules
treatment. Closely linked to the biotechnology - Play a major role in recycling essential elements Rogen Bacon: described that the disease was caused
industry. This field also includes brewing. - A source of nutrients (at the base of ecological by a minute “seed” or “germ”.
BRANCHES OF MICROBIOLOGY
4. Microbial biotechnology - the manipulation of food webs) and some carry out photosynthesis
Pure Microbiology: microorganisms at the genetic and molecular level - Benefit society by their production of food, ABIOGENESIS (Spontaneous Generation)
(By kind of organism) to generate useful products beverages, antibiotics and vitamins 1. Empedocles (540-433 BC) - life originated by itself
1) Microbial taxonomy - is a means by which 5. Food microbiology - the study of microorganisms - Some carry diseases in animals and plants from non-living matter and imperfect forms were
microorganisms can be grouped together. causing food spoilage and foodborne illness. Using - Most decomposers are microbes replaced by perfect forms.
Organisms having similarities with respect to microorganisms to produce foods (e.g. by
Importance/Applications 2. Aristotle (384-322BC) - living forms are animated
the criteria used are in the same group, and fermentation).
forms of non-living matter. Vital forms operate
are separated from the other groups of 6. Agricultural microbiology -the study of
• Agriculture/ Aquaculture constantly and improve the living world.
microorganisms that have different agriculturally relevant microorganisms.
• Food processing
characteristics. Taxonomy is the science of 7. Water microbiology (or aquatic microbiology) -
• Biogeochemical cycles o 600 BC up to the 2nd half of the 19th century:
biological classification. The study of those microorganisms that are found
• Pest management believed that life could arise spontaneously from
2) Bacteriology – study of bacteria in water.
• Decomposition non-living substances.
3) Phycology/algology - the study of algae 8. Aeromicrobiology (or air microbiology) -The study
• Waste management o Living organisms originated in the sea lime under the
4) Mycology – study of fungi of airborne microorganisms.
• Pollution Prevention and Mitigation influence of environmental factors s.a. heat, air, sun
5) Protozoology – study of protozoa 9. Environmental microbiology - the study of the
Human Insulin Production o The origin of life without apparent cause.
6) Parasitology – study of parasites function and diversity of microbes in their natural
7) Virology –study of virus environments.
3. Thales (624-548 BC) - oceanic water was the mother
from which all living forms originated.
, 4. Rogen Bacon: Disease is caused by a minute “SEED” or SPONTANEOUS GENERATION/ABIOGENESIS Challenging the Spontaneous Generation Theory: o His experiments were later challenged and
“GERM” (The germ theory of disease). repeated by Lazzaro Spallanzani, an Italian scientist.
Early belief that some forms of life could arise from Francisco Redi (18 February 1626- 1 March 1697) Using a slightly different protocol (with a longer
TIMELINE “vital forces” present in nonliving or decomposing boiling time), Spallanzani did not grow any
matter, abiogenesis. In other words, organisms can o Redi's experiment simply but effectively microbes in his sealed flasks, contradicting
1677 observed little animals
arise form non-livingmatter. demonstrates that life is necessary to produce life. Needham’s findings.
1796 first small pox vaccination
1850 advocated washing of hands to stop the spread of Redi expressed this in his famous dictum as "Omne
disease vivum ex vivo" ("All life comes from life"). Lazzaro Spallanzani (12 January 1729 – 11 February
1861 disproved spontaneous generation o Francesco Redi (1668) placed fresh meat in open 1799)
1862 supported germ theory of disease containers [left]: as expected, the rotting meat
1867 practiced antiseptic surgery attracted flies, and the meat was soon swarming o Lazzaro Spallanzani's Experiment proved
1876 first proof of germ theory of disease with B. with maggots, which hatched into flies. microorganisms could be killed by boiling. He
anthracis discovery o When the jars were covered so that flies could not believed microbes move through the air and could
1881 growth of bacteria on solid media get in [middle], no maggots were produced. be killed by boiling.
1882 outlined Koch’s postulates o To answer the objection that the cover cut off fresh o Spallanzani filled 4 flasks with a broth. One flask
1882 developed acid fast stain air necessary for spontaneous generation, Redi was left opened, one flask was sealed, one flask
ABIOGENESIS BIOGENESIS
1884 developed gram stain Refers to the theory of Refers to the theory of covered the jars with porous gauze [right] instead was boiled and left open, and one flask was boiled
1885 first rabies vaccination origin of life, that life origin of life, that life of an air-tight cover. and sealed.
1887 invented petri dish originated from inorganic or originated from pre-existing o Flies were attracted to the smell of the rotting o The first flask was left open and turned cloudy,
1892 discovered viruses inanimate substances. living matter. meat, clustered on the gauze, which was soon and microbes were found. flask two remained
1899 discovered viral dependence on cells for Proposed by Alexander Proposed by Theodore swarming with maggots, but the meat itself sealed and again microbes were found and the
Oparin, Stanley Miller, Schwann, Matthias remained free of maggots. Thus flies are necessary broth was cloudy. Flask three again the same
reproduction
Harold Urey Schleiden and Rudolf to produce flies: they do not arise spontaneously thing happened. However in flask four the broth
1990 proved that mosquitoes carried the yellow fever Virchow
agent from rotting meat. was not cloudy and no microbes were found.
States that life on earth States that life on earth is
1910 discovered cure for syphilis o This proved to Lazzaro that microbes do not form
originated from nonliving originated from pre-existing
1928 discovered penicillin compounds life forms Louis Joblot (9 August 1645 – 27 April 1723) out of nowhere. If microbes formed out of
1977 discovered a method to sequence DNA Not scientifically proved Proved by scientific nowhere then all flasks would have microbes.
1983 polymerase chain reaction invented experiments o In 1710 Joblot conducted an experiment in which Critics of Spallanzani said he killed the life force
1995 first microbial genomic sequence published Based on observations and Based on practical he divided a hay infusion that had been boiled into that was required for spontaneous generation.
national thoughts experiments and material containers: a heated container that was closed to
evidence This experiment paved the way for research later done by
ROBERT HOOKE (28 July 1635 – 3 March 1703) the air and a heated container that was freely open
to the air. Only the open vessel developed Louis Pasteur.
• One of the most important discoveries of biology microorganism. This further helped disproved
TRANSITION ERA Some Early Observations in Microbiology
occurred in 1665, with the help of a crude microscope, abiogenesis.
when he stated that life’s smallest structural units were 1. Francesco Redi (18 February 1626- 1 March 1697): INVESTIGAT TIME OBSERVATIONS/CONCLUSIONS
cells. John Needham (10 September 1713 – 30 December OR. FRAME
shows that maggots would not arise from decaying
1781 Aristotle 4th Living things do not need
ANTONY VAN LEEUWENHOEK (24 October 1632 – 26 meat when covered century parents; spontaneous
August 1723) B.C generation apparently occurs
2. John Needham: proposed that tiny organisms o English scientist who tried to prove spontaneous
Girolamo Mid- “Contagion” passes among
• First to observe bacteria, Robert Hooke was the first to (animalcules) arose spontaneously. Covered the generation Francostoro 1500s individuals, objects, and air
observe a microorganism. flasks with cork like Redi, still microbes appeared. o Sealed a bottle of gravy and heated it to kill any life. Kircher Mid- “Microscopic worms” are
• His single-lens magnified 50300X magnification Found life several days later which he claimed from 1600s present in blood of plague
• Between 1674-1723, he wrote series of papers 3. Lazzaro Spallanzani: demonstrated that air carried the gravy. victims
o Flaw of the experiment: flask was not sealed and Redi Mid- Fly larvae arise by spontaneous
describing his observations of bacteria, algae, protozoa, germs to the culture medium. Boiled broth would not
was exposed to the air. 1600s generation
and fungi (Animalcules) give rise to microscopic life forms.
Van Late Microscopic organisms are
Leewenhoek 1600s present in numerous
