Recapitulation is a bold and influential idea that is particularly associated with Ernst Haeckel though many other biologists also supported it in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. According to the theory of recapitulation, the stages of an organism’s development correspond to the species’ phylogenetic history- in a phrase, “ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny.” Each stage in development corresponds to (that is, [...]
Certain properties make microorganisms well suited for industrial processes. Microorganisms not only possess a broad variety of enzymes to make an array of chemical conversions possible, but they also have a relatively high metabolic activity that permits conversions to take place rapidly. In addition, they have a large surface area for quick absorption of nutrients, and release of end-products. Moreover, [...]
We have alluded to their role in the decay of organic matter, and we shall expand the idea by briefly examining the place of microorganisms in three vital cycles of nature: 1. The carbon, 2. Sulfur, and 3. Nitrogen cycles. 1. Carbon Cycle: The earth is composed of numerous elements, among which is a defined amount of carbon that must [...]