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Needham vs. Spallanzani definitions

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  • Spontaneous Generation

    A disproven concept suggesting that living organisms can arise from nonliving matter under certain conditions.
  • Sterilization

    A process intended to eliminate all forms of microbial life from a substance, often requiring sufficient heat exposure.
  • Contamination

    The unintended introduction of microbes into a sterile environment, often compromising experimental results.
  • Broth

    A nutrient-rich liquid medium used to support the growth of microorganisms in laboratory experiments.
  • Cork

    A porous material used to seal flasks, which can allow microbes to pass through and contaminate contents.
  • Melted Glass Seal

    A method of closing flasks by fusing glass, creating an airtight barrier that prevents microbial entry.
  • Microbial Growth

    The increase in number of microorganisms, often visible as cloudiness or colonies in a nutrient medium.
  • Experimental Setup

    The specific arrangement and procedures used in scientific investigations, crucial for obtaining valid results.
  • Biogenesis

    A principle stating that life arises only from pre-existing life, not from nonliving material.
  • Porous Material

    A substance containing tiny holes that permit the passage of air or microbes, potentially leading to contamination.
  • Cooling Period

    The interval after heating during which a substance returns to room temperature, often a window for contamination.
  • Skepticism

    A critical attitude or doubt regarding experimental conclusions, often driving further scientific inquiry.
  • Vital Force

    A hypothesized essential element, such as oxygen, once believed necessary for spontaneous generation.
  • Custom Flask

    A specially designed container used in experiments to control variables like air exposure and contamination.
  • Physiologist

    A scientist specializing in the study of biological functions and processes in living organisms.