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Article: Bacterial Biology
- Article from:
- World of Forensic Science
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Bacterial Biology
The Dutch merchant and amateur scientist Anton van Leeuwenhoek was the first to observe bacteria and other microorganisms. Using single-lens
microscopes
of his own design, he described bacteria and other microorganisms as "animacules."
An understanding of the fundamentals of bacterial biology is critical to bacteriologists and other forensic investigators attempting to identify potential biogenic
pathogens
that may be exploited by bioterrorists. In addition, the reaction of the body to bacteria and the type of bacteria present often offer invaluable clues to forensic investigators.
Bacteria are one-celled prokaryotic organisms that lack a true nucleus (i.e., a ...