I Grew Real Penicillin from MOLD
Antibiotics are crucial chemicals that have significantly improved human life by fighting off diseases caused by microbes. Before their discovery, common infections were often deadly or caused severe disfigurement. The idea of tiny particles causing infection has been around for over 2000 years, and germ theory started to develop with the invention of microscopes. However, effective treatments were rare and often painful until the accidental discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928. He noticed that blue mold, penicillium, prevented bacteria from growing. It took another research team in the 1940s to figure out how to produce penicillin on a large scale. The process of making penicillin involves growing the mold in a bioreactor, extracting the penicillin through a chemical process, and then purifying it into a usable powder. This method of finding and extracting useful compounds from microbes is how many modern medicines are discovered.
Key Vocabulary
To involve something as a necessary or inevitable part or consequence.
Examples:
- The new project entails extensive research and collaboration.
- Becoming a doctor entails years of rigorous study and practical training.
- Running a marathon entails significant physical and mental preparation.
A mixture of various ingredients, especially one that is prepared for a specific purpose or that has various elements at play.
Examples:
- The chemist carefully prepared a complex brew for the experiment.
- The old tales spoke of a witch's brew that could grant wishes.
- The political situation was a strange brew of hope and uncertainty.
The process of sterilizing equipment or substances using an autoclave, which employs high-pressure saturated steam.
Examples:
- The lab technicians were responsible for autoclaving all the glassware before use.
- Autoclaving ensures that surgical instruments are free from any microorganisms.
- The medical waste was disposed of after proper autoclaving.
A living creature, often used informally and with a sense of affection or curiosity.
Examples:
- My cat is a curious little critter, always exploring new places.
- The scientist observed the tiny critter under the microscope.
- We saw a strange critter scurrying across the forest floor.
To make something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.
Examples:
- It is crucial to sterilize baby bottles before feeding.
- The surgeon carefully sterilized all the instruments before the operation.
- Boiling water can help sterilize contaminated surfaces.
Made by hand, not by machine, often implying a unique or crafted quality.
Examples:
- She preferred to buy handmade pottery from local artisans.
- The bride wore a beautiful handmade lace veil.
- His desk was adorned with several handmade wooden figurines.
The scientific study of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, algae, and viruses.
Examples:
- Microbiology plays a crucial role in understanding infectious diseases.
- Students in the microbiology course learned how to culture various bacteria.
- Her research in microbiology focused on antibiotic resistance.
A wonderful or astonishing person or thing.
Examples:
- The ancient pyramid was a true marvel of engineering.
- The human brain is a marvel of complexity and capability.
- The new bridge is considered a modern architectural marvel.
To produce more of something than is needed or can be used.
Examples:
- The factory's new machinery allowed it to overproduce goods, leading to excess inventory.
- Certain strains of bacteria can be engineered to overproduce specific enzymes.
- If a plant doesn't get enough light, it might overproduce chlorophyll to compensate.
Washed something with clean water, usually to remove soap or impurities.
Examples:
- After washing the dishes, she thoroughly rinsed them to remove all soap residue.
- The chef rinsed the fresh vegetables before adding them to the salad.
- He rinsed his mouth with mouthwash after brushing his teeth.
The setting or background against which events unfold.
Examples:
- The old city provided a picturesque backdrop for the historical film.
- The mountains served as a stunning natural backdrop for the outdoor concert.
- Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, the company announced its new expansion plans.
Causing feelings of annoyance or discouragement because of an inability to achieve something.
Examples:
- Dealing with slow internet can be incredibly frustrating when you have urgent work.
- It was frustrating to realize that all our efforts had been in vain.
- The constant delays made the entire process very frustrating.
A chemical compound containing the nitrate ion (NO3-), often used in fertilizers or explosives.
Examples:
- Farmers often use nitrate-based fertilizers to enrich the soil.
- The water sample was tested for the presence of nitrate contamination.
- Some processed meats contain sodium nitrate as a preservative.
A chemical compound containing the phosphate ion (PO4^3-), essential for living organisms and often found in fertilizers.
Examples:
- Phosphate is a key nutrient for plant growth and is often found in agricultural runoff.
- The human body uses phosphate for bone formation and energy metabolism.
- Detergents once commonly contained phosphate, but many are now phosphate-free due to environmental concerns.
Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
Examples:
- In modern society, smartphones have become truly ubiquitous.
- The company aims to make its product so affordable that it becomes ubiquitous.
- Fast-food restaurants are ubiquitous in most major cities.
With a deliberate intention; on purpose.
Examples:
- She purposely left the door ajar so that he would notice.
- He purposely avoided looking at the news to reduce his stress.
- The artist purposely used bright colors to evoke a sense of joy.
Introduced a microorganism into a culture medium or living organism, typically to stimulate an immune response or to grow a culture.
Examples:
- The scientists inoculated the petri dish with a small sample of bacteria.
- Before traveling, he was inoculated against several common diseases.
- The soil was inoculated with beneficial microbes to improve plant growth.
A pair of small, thin sticks used as eating utensils, especially in East Asian cuisine.
Examples:
- She expertly picked up the noodles with her chopsticks.
- Learning to use chopsticks effectively takes some practice.
- He ordered sushi and asked for chopsticks instead of a fork.
Extremely large.
Examples:
- The company reported a whopping profit margin this quarter.
- He caught a whopping fish that weighed over twenty pounds.
- The project required a whopping investment of time and resources.
Small adjustments or changes made to improve something.
Examples:
- The engineer made a few final tweaks to the engine's performance.
- After a few minor tweaks, the software was running perfectly.
- She made some subtle stylistic tweaks to the presentation before the meeting.