MICRO: Class 2 The Scientific Method and Nucleic Acids

The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein. This is the central dogma of molecular biology.

The four building blocks of RNA: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and uracil (U).

A process of evolution where successful traits are passed down to offspring. This is the basis of natural selection.

The process of changing a planet's environment to be more suitable for life, often through the actions of organisms.

A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships between all living organisms.

The time it takes for a mutation to accumulate in DNA. Longer lines on the universal tree indicate more time has passed.

The idea that all cellular life shares a single common ancestor. It is the basis of the universal tree of life.

The study of the origin and history of life on Earth using geological evidence.

Diseases that cause illness or death without physical injury or poisoning.

The cause or origin of a disease.

The study of the causes and origins of diseases.

The understanding and use of sanitation practices to prevent disease, even without knowledge of microorganisms.

The belief that swamps release harmful poison in 'bad air' that causes malaria.

The use of fermentation to preserve food, often attributed to the effects of specific locations or containers.

The discovery of microorganisms revolutionized our understanding of diseases.

The primary goal of microorganisms is survival, growth, and reproduction; causing disease is not their intention.

A diverse group of eukaryotes that obtain energy through photosynthesis. They can be single-celled or multicellular and contain chlorophyll or other pigments that give them characteristic colors.

A diverse group of organisms that range from single-celled yeasts to multicellular filamentous molds. They secrete enzymes to break down organic materials and then absorb the released nutrients.

Microscopic filaments that make up the body of filamentous fungi, like molds. They form a visible mat called a mycelium.

A visible mat formed by the interwoven hyphae of filamentous fungi.

Microscopic reproductive structures produced by fungi, especially filamentous molds. They are released into the environment to spread the fungus.

The macroscopic reproductive structure of some fungi, often shaped like an umbrella or a cap.

Infections caused by fungi that take advantage of a weakened immune system or an environment that favors their growth.

Fungi that cause infections on the skin, in the lungs, or even throughout the body.

The impact of microorganisms on human populations can be significantly greater than the impact of human conflict.

The 1918 influenza pandemic killed more Americans than all major wars combined.

Spherical bacteria, sometimes slightly oval or flattened on one end.

Microorganisms can cause widespread damage without even directly infecting humans.

The Irish Potato Famine was caused by a microbial disease that affected potatoes.

Rod-shaped bacteria, with varying lengths depending on the species.

A bacterial disease affecting olive trees has spread, impacting olive oil production worldwide.

A short, curved rod-shaped bacteria.

Wheat blast, a fungal disease, has destroyed wheat crops in several countries.

Long, spiral-shaped bacteria, with flexible cell walls.

Long, spiral-shaped bacteria with flexible cell walls and unique motility.

Chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease, has severely reduced frog populations globally.

Smallpox, once a devastating disease, has been eradicated through global vaccination efforts.

Bacteria that have variable shapes, often displaying multiple forms.

Pairs of bacteria that remain together after cell division.

Bacteria that divide in a plane, forming long chains.

A testable explanation for an observation.

A part of an experiment that remains unchanged, used as a baseline for comparison.

A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, supported by a large body of evidence.

The process of science involves making observations, asking questions, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating findings.

Understanding the exceptions to a rule often helps understand the rule better and makes it more useful.

In this course, we will use generalized rules to summarize material, keeping in mind that every rule has exceptions.

The process of science is cyclical. You may need to refine your hypothesis or your experiment based on your results.

Observations and questions can spark scientific inquiry, leading to the development of new hypotheses and experiments.