Introduction to Microbiology

1
Introduction to Microbiology Historical
perspectives discovery of microbes
(technology) repudiation of spontaneous
generation A young science! But applied
microbiology is almost as old as
agriculture bread beer, wine yogurt, cheese
2
Pasteurs definitive experiment
Fortunately, no endospores were present
3
Late 19th century (summarized on p. 4) Pure
culture techniques discovery of causative agents
of disease Control of infection with aseptic
technique Staining techniques Discovery of
viruses Beginning to understand the immune system
4
Early 20th century Antimicrobials Genetic
exchange between bacteria (transformation) Eluci
dation of DNA as heritable material Vaccines (it
began with smallpox)
5
Late 20th century Biotechnology restriction
endonucleases?recombinant DNA technology genetic
engineering genomics Viroids,
prions Eradication of smallpox polio?
6
Infectious disease emerging diseases resurgent
diseases chronic disease autoimmune disease?
7
Microbes and the environment Unique metabolic
processes Nutrient cycling
8
Microbes (especially bacteria) as
model organisms Easy to grow Dont take up
much room Easy to manipulate Many processes
can be extrapolated to larger organisms