The History Of Microbiology! Trivia Quiz

Alexander Fleming is the correct answer for the question. He is the scientist who discovered penicillin. In 1928, Fleming accidentally discovered the mold Penicillium notatum in a petri dish, which produced a substance that killed bacteria. This discovery led to the development of the first antibiotic, penicillin, which revolutionized medicine and saved countless lives.

Sterilization refers to the complete removal of all life forms. This process eliminates all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, from an object or environment. It is commonly used in medical settings, laboratories, and food preparation to ensure the complete eradication of harmful pathogens. Sterilization methods can include heat, chemicals, radiation, or filtration, depending on the specific requirements of the situation.

Nosocomial infection refers to an infection that is acquired by a patient during their stay in a hospital or other healthcare facility. It is specifically related to infections that were not present or incubating prior to the patient's admission. This term is used to distinguish infections that are contracted within a healthcare setting from those that are acquired in the community. Leprosy, sepsis, street virus, and smallpox are not specifically related to hospital-acquired infections.

Thonius Philips van Leeuwenhoek is best known for his improvement of the microscope. He is considered the father of microbiology and made significant advancements in the field of microscopy. Van Leeuwenhoek was the first to observe and describe microorganisms, such as bacteria and protozoa, using his improved microscope. His discoveries laid the foundation for our understanding of the microscopic world and revolutionized the field of biology.

Leprosy is the correct answer because it is a disease that causes deformation of the extremities and is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and mucous membranes. It can lead to the loss of sensation in the affected areas, leading to deformities and disabilities if left untreated.

Edward Jenner developed the vaccination to protect against smallpox. He is known as the "Father of Immunology" for his groundbreaking work in developing the smallpox vaccine. Jenner observed that milkmaids who had contracted cowpox, a less severe disease, seemed to be immune to smallpox. He then conducted an experiment by inoculating a boy with cowpox and later exposing him to smallpox, which proved successful in preventing the disease. Jenner's discovery laid the foundation for the development of vaccines and revolutionized the field of medicine.

Plasmids are small circular pieces of DNA that are separate from the chromosomal DNA. They are commonly found in bacteria and can replicate independently. Plasmids can carry genes that provide certain advantages to the bacteria, such as antibiotic resistance or the ability to produce certain enzymes. They can also be used in genetic engineering to introduce specific genes into other organisms.

DNA ligase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the process of DNA replication and repair. It is responsible for joining the ends of DNA fragments together by catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds. During recombination, when genetic material from different sources is combined, DNA ligase is required to seal the gaps and connect the fragments. Therefore, DNA ligase is the correct answer as it is the enzyme that glues the gene in place during recombination.

Sepsis refers to the proliferation of microbes in the blood. It is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection causes widespread inflammation. This inflammation can lead to organ dysfunction and failure. While leprosy, nosocomial infection, and smallpox are all infections caused by microbes, sepsis specifically refers to the presence of microbes in the bloodstream. Street virus is not a term commonly used in medical contexts and does not relate to the proliferation of microbes in the blood.

Joseph Lister is the correct answer because he used carbolic acid to kill germs and prevent infection. Lister was a British surgeon who introduced antiseptic techniques in the 19th century. He discovered that carbolic acid, also known as phenol, could effectively kill bacteria and reduce the risk of infection during surgeries. Lister's use of carbolic acid revolutionized surgical practices and greatly improved patient outcomes.

A recombinant plasmid can be inserted into bacterial, yeast or cultured animal cells through a process called transformation. Transformation is a technique used to introduce foreign DNA, such as a recombinant plasmid, into a host cell. The foreign DNA is taken up by the host cell and becomes incorporated into its genome, allowing the cell to express the genes carried by the recombinant plasmid. This process is commonly used in genetic engineering and biotechnology to produce proteins of interest or modify the genetic makeup of cells.

According to Koch's Postulates, the causative agent must be present in every case of the disease, the same disease must be produced when microbes from the pure culture are inoculated into healthy susceptible animals, the pathogen must be isolated from the diseased host, and the same pathogen must be recoverable in the artificially infected animal. However, it is not necessary for the causative agent to be present in healthy animals. This means that the statement "the causative agent must be present in healthy animals" is false according to Koch's Postulates.

Pasteurization is the process of heating a liquid or food to a specific temperature for a certain period of time in order to kill or inactivate certain harmful microorganisms, while preserving the flavor and nutritional value of the product. It is a selective removal method because it targets specific microbes, such as bacteria and yeasts, that can cause spoilage or disease, while allowing other beneficial microorganisms to survive. This process is commonly used in the dairy industry to eliminate pathogens and extend the shelf life of milk and other dairy products.

Puerperal sepsis is the correct answer as it refers to an infection that occurs after childbirth, commonly known as childbirth fever. It is caused by bacteria entering the uterus during delivery or through medical interventions. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, foul-smelling discharge, and rapid heart rate. If left untreated, puerperal sepsis can lead to serious complications and even death. Cowpox, smallpox, Streptococcus pyogenes, and street virus are unrelated to childbirth fever.

Restriction enzymes are proteins that can isolate individual genes from human DNA. They are able to recognize specific DNA sequences and cut the DNA at those sites. This ability allows them to target and isolate specific genes of interest. DNA ligase, on the other hand, is an enzyme that is involved in the joining of DNA fragments. Carbolic acid and germs are not relevant to isolating genes from human DNA. Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that can be used as vectors to introduce genes into cells, but they do not directly isolate genes from human DNA.

Ignaz Semmelweis is the correct answer because he was a scientist who implemented a strict hand washing policy in hospitals during the 19th century. He observed that the mortality rates of women giving birth were significantly lower when doctors and medical staff washed their hands with chlorinated lime solution before attending to patients. This practice helped to reduce the spread of infections and ultimately saved many lives. His findings were met with resistance initially, but his work laid the foundation for modern antiseptic techniques in medical settings.

Paul Ehrlich is the correct answer because he was a German scientist who used atoxyl, a compound containing arsenic, to treat syphilis. Ehrlich conducted extensive research on various chemical compounds and their effects on diseases, and he discovered that atoxyl was effective in treating syphilis. This discovery marked a significant advancement in the treatment of the disease and led to the development of other arsenic-based drugs for syphilis treatment. Ehrlich's work in the field of immunology and chemotherapy earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1908.

Selman Abraham Waksman is the correct answer because he was a scientist who isolated a number of antibiotics, including streptomycin. Waksman's research and discoveries in the field of microbiology and antibiotics earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1952. He is known for his contributions to the development of antibiotics, which have revolutionized the field of medicine and saved countless lives.

A street virus refers to a virus that is naturally acquired from an infected animal, typically through direct contact or exposure in urban or rural environments. This term is often used to describe viruses that are transmitted from animals to humans, such as zoonotic viruses. Therefore, the street virus is the correct answer as it aligns with the description of a virus that originates from a naturally infected animal.

Cell-mediated immunity is a type of immune response that involves the activation of T cells to target and destroy infected cells or abnormal cells, such as cancer cells and cells infected with intracellular viruses. This immune response is not as effective against extracellular bacteria, as these pathogens are typically targeted and eliminated by other components of the immune system, such as antibodies produced by B cells. Therefore, cell-mediated immunity is particularly effective against cancer cells, intracellular viral infections, and parasites, but not against extracellular bacteria.