Bacteria

Bacteria are unicellular microorganisms that exist in every habitat on earth. Most of them are typically a few micrometres in length, and cannot be seen by the naked eye. Therefore, scientists study them using microscopes.

Bacteria was first observed by Anton van Leeuwenhoek in 1676, using a microscope he designed. Louis Pasteur demonstrated that the fermentation process is caused by the growth of microorganisms, rather than the idea of spontaneous generation. He was also one of the first who spread the germ theory of disease. This theory was proven by Robert Koch, a pioneer in medical microbiology, for which he was rewarded the Nobel Prize.

With the knowledge that bacteria are the cause of many diseases that affect the human body, there was the problem where no effective antibacterial treatments that could cure people were available. It was then in 1910 when Paul Ehrlich developed the first antibiotic.

to be continued...

Microbiology

Going to start on microbiology in preparation of next year, when there are going to be a lot of competitions that we will be participating in.

First of all, what is microbiology? Well, it is the study of microorganisms, which include prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It also includes the study of viruses, though they are not considered as living organisms.

The science of microbiology has been hypothesized since the 14th century. However, nobody could prove of the existance of such until the microscope was invented in the 17th century by three men, notably Hans Lippershey, Hans Janssen, and his son Zacharias. It was hypothesized later on during the Black Death period that the microorganisms were the cause of diseases that affected living organisms.

So, what is the use of microbiology in modern times? Well, there are several very important uses for it, namely:

- Genetics

- Medical Field, eg. Pathology and Immunology

- Industry, eg. Fermentation

- Food

- Pharmaceutical

-Environmental