Father of Microbiology | Who is the Father of Microbiology | Father of Modern Microbiology
Father of Microbiology- The first one to observe microorganisms was Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek who is the father of microbiology. He observed microorganisms by using a simple microscope. Father of Microbiology used a microscope that he designed himself. This was a single lensed microscope. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek is known as the father of microbiology. He was given the title of father of microbiology because of his work and discoveries in this field.
In the current era, there is high scope of various biology fields. One of these fields is microbiology. Microbiology is the study of microorganisms that are not visible to the human eye. Microscope is required to see these microorganisms. Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi. To know further about microbiology, we must know who discovered it. The one who has discovered microbiology is the father of microbiology.
Father of microbiology Early Life
The father of microbiology, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was born on 24 October 1632 in Delft. He was a Dutch businessman and then he became a scientist. Delft is a canal-ringed city situated in the western Netherlands. Full name of Father of microbiology is Antonie Philips van Leeuwenhoek FRS.
Father of Microbiology father’s name was Philips Antonisz van Leeuwenhoek. His father was a basket maker. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was only 5 years old when his father died. His mother’s name was Margaretha. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek received his early education in Warmond. Then Father of Microbiology went to Benthuizen with his uncle whose name was Attorney. When he was 16, he went to Amsterdam where he started working at a draper’s shop. He worked as a bookkeeper’s apprentice at that shop.
Read more About Father of Zoology in detail
Work of father of microbiology
The father of microbiology “Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek” returned to Delft in 1654. Then he settled in Delft and studied there. After completing his studies, he opened a draper’s shop. Father of Microbiology was a cloth trader in Delft. He continued his job throughout the 1650s. Then in 1660, he was given the position of chamberlain for the assembly chamber in the city hall.
This was his highly paid and profitable job. Later he was appointed as a land surveyor by the court of Holland in 1669. At the same time, Father of Microbiology was doing another municipal job. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek was appointed as the wine-gauger of Delft. Father of Microbiology was given the charge to check the wine imports and taxes.
Father of microbiology contributions in the field of science
When Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was working in a draper shop, he wanted to see thread quality. To observe the quality of the thread, Father of Microbiology needed a microscope. His interest diverted him to develop a lens. Father of Microbiology placed the middle part of silica glass in a hot flame. In this way, two long whisker glasses were created. By placing the whisker again into the hot flame, he created a high-quality glass lens. This was the lens that he used in observing microbes. Moreover, he made ground lenses for lower magnification.
Father of Microbiology work was recognized by Royal Society
Father of Microbiology work was also recognized by the royal society in London. Royal society of London published Antonie van Leeuwenhoek’s letter in 1673. This letter included his observations on microbes such as molds, bees, and lice. Father of Microbiology Antonie van Leeuwenhoek did not stop there, but he continued making lenses. He made 500 optical lenses and 25 single-lens microscopes. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was the first one to use histological stains for coloring specimens. Due to his dedication to scientific work, he was accredited with the title of father of microbiology.
Discoveries of the father of microbiology:
Discoveries of father of microbiology are following:
- In 1674, he discovered infusoria.
- In 1676, he discovered the vacuole of the cells.
- 1677, he discovered spermatozoa.
- In 1682, he discovered the pattern of muscular fibers.
- 1683, he discovered bacteria from the human mouth.
- In 1687, he did research work on the coffee bean.
In his later life, the father of microbiology wrote 560 letters to the royal society of London. Father of Microbiology used to write his observations in his letters. He also wrote about the disease from which he was suffering during the last years of his life. He suffered from a disease that causes involuntary contractions of the diaphragm. This disease was later named Leeuwenhoek’s disease. He died on 26 august 1723 at the age of 90 years. He was buried in Delft.
Contributions of other scientists in microbiology:
Afterward, several other microbiologists continued Antonie van Leeuwenhoek’s work and contributed a lot to this field. Robert Koch worked in medical microbiology. Medical microbiology deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Moreover, it deals with the applications for the cure of disease and improvement of health. Robert Koch developed techniques to determine microbial causes of diseases. He was known as the father of medical microbiology. Robert Koch discovered the cause of the disease anthrax.
Louis Pasteur French Biologist
Along with Robert Koch, Louis Pasteur also joined him. Louis Pasteur was a French biologist; he was given the title of father of modern microbiology. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was born on 27 December in 1822 in Dole France.Louis also contributed a lot in this field, he was awarded Copley Medal in 1874. He developed various vaccines, for rabies and anthrax. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek discovered the process of pasteurization in which he heated wine to kill microbes. Furthermore, he was the one who proved that fermentation is caused by yeast. Due to his various contributions, he was called the father of modern microbiology.
Robert Koch, the father of medical microbiology was awarded the Nobel prize in 1905 due to his contributions to physiology. His full name was Robert Heinrich Hermann Koch. He was born on 11 December 1843 in Germany. Robert Koch studied medicine at the University of Gottingen. He also discovered the cause of tuberculosis.
Microbiology and its Branches:
Microbiology is the branch of biology which involves the scientific study of microbes. It is a detailed study including structure, physiology, biochemistry, and classification of microorganisms. Moreover, it involves the study of the production of vaccines and medicines.
Microbes:
The microbe is the collective term for all the bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa.
Branches:
Microbiology is a diverse field, and it has various branches. Its branches are classified into two categories.
- Pure Microbiology.
- Applied Microbiology.
Branches of Pure Microbiology
Pure microbiology is purely the detailed study of microorganisms. The Father of microbiology “Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek” worked in pure microbiology. The branches of pure microbiology are following:
- Bacteriology:
This branch of pure microbiology is specifically for the study of bacteria. It includes the morphology, genetics, and biochemistry of bacteria. These bacteria include cholera, anthrax, syphilis, etc.
2. Mycology:
Mycology is that branch of microbiology that deals with the study of fungi. It includes the morphological characteristics and biochemistry of fungi such as mushrooms, yeasts, etc.
3. Protozoology:
The branch of microbiology that is concerned with the study of protozoa is called protozoology. It involves study of structure, characteristics, and types of protozoa.
4. Phycology:
Phycology is that branch of microbiology that deals with the study of algae. It is also known as algology. Algae include green algae, coral strands, sea lettuce, etc.
5. Parasitology:
This branch of microbiology deals with the study of parasites. It involves physiology, biochemistry, and clinical aspects of parasites. It is the study of the biology of parasites and the diseases caused by parasites.
6. Immunology:
Immunology is one of the most important branches of microbiology. It deals with the study of the immune system of different organisms.
7. Virology:
Virology is the study of the physiological characteristics and biochemistry of viruses.
8. Nematology:
It is that branch of microbiology that involves the study of nematodes. Nematodes are also known as roundworms.
9. Microbial cytology:
Microbial cytology deals with the study of microscopic properties of microorganisms. Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.
10. Microbial physiology:
It deals with the study of the structure and functions of different parts of microorganisms.
11. Microbial pathogenesis:
It is the study of pathogens. Pathogens are those microorganisms that cause disease to human beings.
12. Microbial ecology:
Microbial ecology is the discipline that deals with the inter-relationship between microorganisms and their environment.
13. Phylogeny:
This branch is the important branch of microbiology. it deals with the genetic relationship of one organism with other.
14. Microbial genetics:
It deals with the study of the genetic makeup of microorganisms.
Branches of Applied Microbiology:
Applied microbiology is the study of the application of microorganisms in technology. The Father of medical microbiology “Robert Koch” and the father of modern microbiology “Louis Pasteur” worked in this field. Following are the branches of applied microbiology:
- Pharmaceutical microbiology:
Pharmaceutical microbiology is the branch of microbiology that deals with the study of those microbes that are involved in the making of pharmaceutical products such as antibiotics, vaccines, supplements, etc.
2. Industrial microbiology:
Industrial microbiology is that branch of microbiology that deals with the study of microorganisms that are involved in the production of industrial products such as chemicals.
3. Medical microbiology:
Medical microbiology is the branch of microbiology that deals with the study of those microorganisms that can cause diseases in human beings.
4. Food microbiology:
Food microbiology deals with the study of microorganisms that can spoil or contaminate food.
5. Agricultural microbiology:
The branch of microbiology that deals with the study of the effects of microorganisms on soil and agriculture are called agricultural microbiology.
6. Veterinary microbiology:
Veterinary microbiology is that branch of microbiology that deals with the study of microorganisms that cause disease in animals, and it also involves the study of microorganisms that are used in the production of medicines for animals.
7. Environmental microbiology:
This branch of microbiology deals with the interaction of microorganisms with their environment.
8. Water microbiology:
The branch of microbiology that deals with the study of all the microbes that are found in water.
9. Aero microbiology:
Aero microbiology deals with the microorganisms that are present in the air.
10. Biotechnology:
Biotechnology is a branch of applied microbiology. It deals with the use of microorganisms in the new technologies and scientific work.
Scope Of Microbiology:
Microbiology is a vast subject. Microbiology is involved in many fields such as;
- Pharmacy.
- Medicine.
- Clinical research.
- Agriculture.
- Dairy industry.
- Water industry.
- Nanotechnology.
- Chemical technology.
The person who studies and works in microbiology is called a Microbiologist. Microbiologists after completing their degree can get jobs in public and private sectors. They can get good positions in the above-mentioned fields and many others.
Father of Microbiology Conclusion:
Microbiology is the discipline that involves the study of small organisms that we cannot see with the naked eye. To observe these microorganisms, we need microscopes. Various scientists worked in this field. The idea of microbiology came from Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek who is known as the father of microbiology. He observed small organisms while working in a draper shop. He made the lens himself to observe these microorganisms. Not only this, but he observed many other things including his disease from which he suffered during his last period.
Several other scientists continued their work and contributed more to this field. Robert Koch applied microbiology in the medical field. He discovered the causes of two main diseases anthrax and tuberculosis. Louis Pasteur conducted more research with him by inventing vaccines for rabies and anthrax. He applied modern science and techniques to invent vaccines. All thanks to these dedicated scientists who worked passionately in this field and made inventions to make our lives easy. Aristotle worked five major biological processes which is commonly using in modern science that’s why he know as Father of Biology.
Who is the Father of Microbiology FAQS:
1. Who is the father of microbiology?
Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek is the father of microbiology.
2. Who was given the title of father of modern microbiology?
Louis Pasteur was given the title of father of modern microbiology.
3. Who is known as the father of medical microbiology?
Robert Koch is known as the father of medical microbiology because of his work in the study of causes of diseases.
4. What are the two main disciplines of microbiology?
The two main disciplines of microbiology are pure microbiology and applied microbiology.
5. What are microbes?
Microbes include all microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Some microbes are harmful and some are useful.
6. Father of microbiology wrote letters to whom?
Father of microbiology wrote letters to the Royal Society in London.
7. How many letters did Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek write to the Royal Society of London?
He wrote 560 letters to the royal society of London.
8. Which was the famous letter of the father of microbiology?
His famous letter was on protozoa. This letter gives detailed information about the bacteria and Protista eukaryotic organisms.
9. Who invented the term animalcule?
The term animalcule was first invented by the father of microbiology Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek. He named microscopic organisms that he observed in rainwater as “Animalcules”. This term was later used by other scientists
10. Who introduced the process of pasteurization?
Louis Pasteur introduced the process of pasteurization. Besides this, he also made vaccines for Rabies and Anthrax.
11. Who discovered tuberculosis?
Robert Koch discovered the disease Tuberculosis. He discovered the bacteria “Mycobacterium Tuberculosis” which is the cause of Tuberculosis. He also discovered the spread of tuberculosis.
12. What is the difference between pure microbiology and applied microbiology?
The difference between pure microbiology and applied microbiology is very clear. Pure microbiology is the study of types, structure, characteristics, and chemistry of microorganisms. Whereas applied microbiology is the branch of microbiology that deals with the use of microorganisms in technology. For example, some microorganisms are required for the production of vaccines and medicines.
