BIO307: Microbiology

1.1: Microscopic Life

• 1.1.1: Magnification Is the Key: Leeuwenhoek Discovers Animalcules

  • Brian J. Ford's "History of the Microscope"

    Read this article. Leeuwenhoek crafted superior lenses, which allowed him to observe live microbes, and he also well-documented his observations.
    

  • Brian J. Ford's "Hooke and Leeuwenhoek Microscopes" and "The Discovery of Sperm" Page

    Watch these videos.

  • Brian J. Ford's "Leeuwenhoek as Experimental Biologist"

    Read this article.

  • Jeffrey Noel's "Microbe Types" URL

    Read this page. Leeuwenhoek described representatives of all cellular microbes, including prokaryotes, protists, and fungi. The magnification and resolution of Leeuwenhoek's lenses were not sufficient to describe infectious non-living particles, such viruses, viroids, and prions.
    

• 1.1.2: The Modern Microscopes

  
  

  • Nobelprize.org: "Microscopes" URL

    Read this page, and click on the links "From Thrilling Toy to Important Tool," "Microscopy Time Line," and "Resolving Power Line" to read these pages as well. You can always return to the starter page by hitting the "Back" button on the top right corner of the window. From the main page, click on the links "Phase Contrast Microscopes," "Fluorescence Microscopes," "Transmission Electron Microscopes," and "Scanning Tunneling Microscopes," and study these pages to learn about modern microscope techniques.