Unit 1: The world of microbiology

In this unit it is talking about: 1. Effects of microbes on humans and life in general
2. Discovery of animalcules
3. Scientific controversy of 2 main theories
4. Beef broth experiment
5. Final resolution of controversy
1.Effects of microbes on humans and life in general
Microbes have big role in our lives. Their activities can be positive or negative. We need to
control them by minimizing their harmful effects and maximizing their beneficial activities. A
few microorganisms are capable of growing in or on the human body. Some of microbes are
responsible for infectious diseases such as smallpox, diphtheris and typhoid fever.
2.Discovery of animalcules
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek looke through simple microscope and discovered a new world. The
animalcules , as Leeuwenhoek called them, were found in his mouth, stagnant (stegnent)
water and foods. Leeuwenhoek observed microbes in sample from nearly every enviroment
he investigated. The animalcules seemed to be everywhere.
3.Scientific controversy of 2 main theories
The origin of the microorganisms was the subjec of a scientific controversy. There were 2
main theories. Some people suggested that nonliving substances were contverted into living
organisms; in other words they believed in the spontaneous generation of life from nonliving
materials. The second theory was that all organisms arise from other living organisms.
4.Beef broth experiment
Spontaneous generation appeared to be disproved when it was demonstrated that beef
broth that had been boiled to kill all the microbes in it remained serile as long as the
container was plugged with soild stopper. Broth that was protected from suspended particles
remained sterile, demonstrating that the broth itself could not give rise to living organisms.
Removing the cotton plug allowed microorganisms to enter nad grow. Boiling did not destroy
the ability of the broth to support microbial growth.
5.Final resolution of the controversy
The controversy was finally resolved by Louis Pasteur. He desinged swan-necked flasks that
allowed introduction of fresh, unaltered air but trapped dust particles and microorganisms in
the curved neck. Pasteur proved that neither broth nor air could spontaneously produce
microorganisms, since sterility was preserved in he presence of both. When flask was
tripped, alowwing the liquid to flow into the neck, visible microbial growth developed within
hours. He thus demonstrated that agents responsible for spoiling the broth were the
microbes trapped in the flask`s neck.
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