Scope & History of Microbiology

1. How did the idea of spontaneous generation come about?

Based on Microbiology : Principles and Explorations, a textbook by Jacquelyn G Black, page 11, states that “…people believed that the microorganisms, like the worms (fly, larvae, or maggots) in rotting meat, arose from non-living things.

2. How did the theory of biogenesis lead the way for the germ theory of disease?

The theory of biogenesis was introduced by Louis Pasteur, where he states that “living organisms can only arise from pre-existing living organisms”. He proved that spontaneous generation theory was false by his swan-necked flasks experiment which lead to germ theory of disease, “microorganisms (germs) can invade other organisms and cause disease”.

3. Briefly state the role of microorganisms play in each of the following:

a) Biological Control Of Pest — certain microorganisms can cause disease in insects. microorganisms can be specific for the pest and not harm the surrounding environment.

b) Recycling Of Elements — carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus are required for all living things. Many bacteria decompose material and release carbon dioxide, which plants use. For example, carbon cycle and nitrogen cycle in ecosystem.