Lecture 1 - Overview of Microbiology

== Introduction ==
Microbiology is the science or study of microscopic life.
: - Science: The study of, or a body of knowledge
: - Taxonomy: To name, describe, classify
: - Morphology: Shape, other characteristics such as spores, flagella, capsules
: - Physiology: Enzymes and metabolism
: - Genetics (molecular biology): DNA and RNA
: - Ecology: Use of microorganisms to balance ecosystems
== Microscopic Life ==
Macroscopic: The limit of resolution of our eye is .2mm.
Light Microscope: The limit of resolution of light microscopes is .2µm (or 2 Angstroms) under the best conditions, but is usually .5µm
: Things we can see under the light microscope are:
: - Some unicellular (primitive) algae
: - Protozoa
: - Rickettsia
: - Mycoplasma (usually NOT visible)
== Classification of Microscopic Life ==
Under Linnaeus, Whittaker, and Woese.
== Subdisciplines of Microbiology ==
*Phycology - Study of algae
*Mycology - Study of fungi (mushrooms, molds, yeast)
*Protozoology - Study of protozoa
*Virology - Study of viruses
*Bacteriology - Study of bacteria
*Medical microbiology - Study of the relationship between disease and micro-organisms
*Parasitology - Study of protozoa, helminths, some insects that act as vectors (mosquitoes)
*Immunology - Study of defense mechanism, antibodies, antigens. Includes allergy and hypersensitivities
*Molecular biology - DNA/RNA sequencing for the purposes of identification of the organism and its genetic relationship with other organisms
*Microbial ecologist - Study of how organisms act in the soil, water, or other habitats. Study of their part in the carbon and nitrogen cycles
*Microbial physiologist - Study of metabolic pathways such as fermentation
== Beneficial Aspects of Microorganisms ==
Decomposers: Saprophytes (sapro=rotten, phytes=plant) absorb the nutrient from dead organisms. This recycling of the nutrients is the microorganisms' most important role.
Produces Antibiotics: Chemical from micro-organisms that will kill or stop the growth of another micro-organism in small concentrations
Produces other chemicals and drugs such as acetic acid, alcohol, or insulin from genetically modified E.coli
Foods such cheese, yogurt, bread, beer, wine
Research tools; bacteria have 1 chromosome as opposed to the humans' 46 so they are easier to study.
== Detrimental Aspects of Microorganisms ==
Spoilage—bacteria/fungi will absorb nutrients from still useful things like houses, our foods, shower curtains, etc
Cause plant and animal disease
==Flashcards==
Category:Lectures