Free Essay on The Main Themes of Microbiology and Its Major Historical Events

Microbiology entails various historical themes. It is the scientific study of microscopic organisms, including protists, fungi, viruses, and bacteria (Black & Black, 2018). The subject tries to understand various aspects of these living organisms, including their evolution, behavior, physiology, biochemistry, ecology, as well as pathology of diseases associated with them.

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The following are the main themes of microbiology:

• Bacteriology. The study of bacteria.
• Mycology. The study of fungi, including molds and yeasts.
• Parasitology. The study of parasites (Black & Black, 2018).
• Nematology. The study of nematodes such as roundworms.
• Immunology. The study of the immune system. It explores the association between pathogens such as bacteria and viruses with their hosts.
• Virology. The study of viruses.
• Protozoology. The study of protozoa, such as amoeba (Black & Black, 2018).
• Phycology. The study of alga.

The Major Historical Events of Microbiology

The first primitive microscope was made in the 17th Century to observe the bacteria. In 1684, Anton von Leeuwenhoek sketched the first visual appearance of bacteria (Black & Black, 2018). He was also the first person to describe protozoa such as amoeba, and fungi such as yeast.

In the 19th Century, microbiology arose as a way to disprove the theory of spontaneous generation that was a mere myth (Black & Black, 2018). Louis Pasteur conducted experiments to explore the microorganisms in the closest detail. He realized that microorganisms could be filtered from the air with cotton wool. He also found that liquids could be kept sterile for an extended period by boiling them (Black & Black, 2018). During the same period, scientists also conducted experiments on immunity and realized that microorganisms could cause diseases.

In the 20th Century, scientists made great advancements in microbiology (Black & Black, 2018). The first antibiotics and vaccines were developed. The first chemotherapeutic agents were applied to treat syphilis and other bacterial diseases. Scientists also discovered deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as the basic component of the cell, thereby opening up the genetics research. Today, scientists are working on perfecting their knowledge of genomic sequences of microorganisms.

An Overview of the Chemistry of Biology

Chemistry of biology encompasses the scientific study of chemicals and chemical reactions occurring in biological processes. The knowledge of atoms, chemical bonds, molecules, and other organic compounds is essential for understanding biological processes occurring in living organisms.

Atoms

An atom is the simplest form of an element that can retain all chemical properties of a substance. Atoms are made up of three components, such as electrons, neutrons, and protons. Hydrogen is the first element with one electron, one neutron, and one proton. Protons and neutrons are found within the nucleus of an atom, while electrons are found outside the nucleus of an atom, always in the energy levels (Pross, 2016). Protons are positively charged, neutrons have no charge (neutral), while electrons are negatively charged. Since the protons have positive charge and neutrons have no charge, the nucleus of an atom is positively charged. Therefore, the positive-negative attraction between the nucleus and electrons in the energy levels keeps the atom intact and neutral. Suppose a neutral atom loses or gains an electron, especially during a chemical reaction, the atom becomes either negatively charged (-) or positively charged (+), respectively. A charged atom is called an ion (Pross, 2016). Ions are very reactive and essential in chemical reactions involving biological processes.

Chemical Bonds

Chemical bonds are forces or links that hold atoms together to form molecules or compounds. There are several types of chemical bonds, including ionic bonds, covalent bonds, and hydrogen bonds. The ionic bond is the force of attraction between two or more ions, putting them together to form compounds (Pross, 2016). Ionic bonds usually occur between metal and non-metal ions. Covalent bonds form when an atom transfers one of its electrons to another atom to form an octet state. The sharing of electrons brings stability. Covalent bonds normally occur between non-metals. Intermolecular bonds occur when two molecules are attracted to each other to form a compound. A hydrogen bond is a good example of intermolecular bonding where a hydrogen atom becomes covalently bonded to an electronegative atom such as F, O, or N (Pross, 2016).

Molecules

Molecules are made up of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds. Some examples of molecules include water (H2O), nitrogen (N2), and table salt (NaCl), among others.

Organic Compounds

Compounds are chemical substances formed when two or more elements are held together by chemical bonds. Organic compounds common to all cells include enzymes, proteins, sugars, fats, nucleic acids, and hydrocarbons (Pross, 2016).

Comparison of the Structure and Function of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotes refer to organisms with no cell nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. They are mostly unicellular. However, some prokaryotes are multicellular. On the other hand, eukaryotes are organisms with the cell nucleus and membrane-bound cell organelles. Some of the main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are as follows.

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus containing the DNA, while prokaryotic cells have genetic materials that are not membrane-bound (Mundhe-Kulkarni, 2020).

Eukaryotic cells contain chloroplasts and mitochondria to perform metabolic processes, while similar processes occur across the cell membrane in prokaryotic cells.

Prokaryotic cells are very small, hence, having a larger surface area to volume ratio that enables them to have higher growth and metabolic rates as compared with eukaryotic cells (Mundhe-Kulkarni, 2020).

Eukaryotic Organisms: Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and Helminths

Eukaryotes are organisms whose bodies contain eukaryotic cells. Some examples of eukaryotic organisms include fungi, algae, protozoa, and helminths.

Fungi

Fungi refer to the kingdom of eukaryotic organisms that are multicellular, heterotrophic, and play a critical role in the nutrient cycle in the ecosystem. Fungi reproduce both asexually and sexually. Some examples of fungi include mushrooms, molds, mildews, smuts, rusts, and yeasts (Mundhe-Kulkarni, 2020).

Algae

Algae are a large group of eukaryotic organisms that are multicellular, photosynthetic, and typically aquatic. Some examples of algae include Spirogyra and Chlamydomonas.

Protozoa

Protozoa is a group of unicellular eukaryotic organisms that are either parasitic or free-living. They feed on organic matter, including organic debris, tissues, and other microorganisms. Some examples of protozoa include Podophyra, Paramecium, Plasmodium, Amoeba, and Euglena.

Helminthes

Helminthes are invertebrates with round or flat, elongated bodies. The life and feed on living hosts, sometimes causing diseases. Some examples of helminths include roundworms and tapeworms (Mundhe-Kulkarni, 2020).

References

Black, J. G., & Black, L. J. (2018). Microbiology: principles and explorations. John Wiley & Sons.Mundhe-Kulkarni, A. (2020). Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells: Cell Biology (ZO122). Unipune http://studymaterial.unipune.ac.in:8080/jspui/bitstream/123456789/7502/1/Prokaryotic%20and%20eukaryotic%20cells_video.pdf

Pross, A. (2016). What is life?: How chemistry becomes biology. Oxford University Press.