Microbiology
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Boundless Microbiology
Microbiology Textbooks Boundless Microbiology
Microbiology Textbooks
Microbiology

Chapter 1

Introduction to Microbiology

Book Version 6
By Boundless
Boundless Microbiology
Microbiology
by Boundless
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Section 1
Introduction to Microbiology
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Defining Microbes

Microbes are organisms that are microscopic, or extremely small.

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History of Microbiology: Hooke, van Leeuwenhoek, and Cohn

The development of the microscope, along with the observations of various scientists, led to the discovery of microorganisms.

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Pasteur and Spontaneous Generation

Pasteur's experiments revealed that spontaneous generation does not occur.

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Koch and Pure Culture

Robert Koch identified anthrax as a disease agent and formulated postulates that are still used to research diseases today.

Section 2
Microbes and the World
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Types of Microorganisms

Microorganisms make up a large part of the planet's living material and play a major role in maintaining the Earth's ecosystem.

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Classification of Microorganisms

Microorganisms are classified into taxonomic categories to facilitate research and communication.

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Microbes and the Origin of Life on Earth

Life on Earth is thought to have originated from the oldest single-cell archaea and bacteria.

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Environmental Diversity of Microbes

Microbes are ubiquitous on Earth and their diversity and abundance are determined by the biogeographical habitat they occupy.

Section 3
The Science of Microbiology
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Basic Microbiology

Microbiology is the the study of microscopic organisms and how they interact with humans and the environment.

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Applied Microbiology

The information gained by microbiologists can be applied to many medicinal and commercial endeavors.

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Immunization, Antiseptics, and Antibiotics

Understanding microbes gives us the ability to fight pathogens using immunization, antiseptics, and antibiotics.

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Modern Microbiology

Modern microbiology began with the discovery of microbes in the 1600s and the scope and scale of the field continues to expand today.

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Introduction to Microbiology
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