Microbiology 101

Study Notes

A microorganism is a living organism that is too small to be seen with the naked eye.
Microorganisms are typically microscopic, ranging in size from 0.1 to 5.0 micrometers.
They can be found in almost every environment, including soil, water, air, and the human body.

Bacteria: prokaryotic cells, lack a true nucleus, and are typically 0.5-5.0 micrometers in size.
Viruses: not considered living cells, but rather infectious particles that replicate inside host cells.
Fungi: eukaryotic cells, have a true nucleus, and can be single-celled or multicellular.
Protists: eukaryotic cells, have a true nucleus, and are often single-celled organisms.
Archaea: prokaryotic cells, lack a true nucleus, and are often found in extreme environments.

Decomposition: breaking down organic matter into simpler compounds.
Nutrient Cycling: converting elements into forms that can be used by other organisms.
Symbiotic Relationships: forming mutually beneficial relationships with other organisms.
Pathogenesis: causing disease in other organisms.

Binary Fission: a type of cell division where the cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
Spore Formation: a type of dormancy where the cell forms a resistant structure to survive adverse conditions.
Vegetative Reproduction: a type of reproduction where the cell grows and divides into new cells.

Disease: microorganisms can cause a range of diseases, from mild to severe.
Food Spoilage: microorganisms can cause food to spoil and become unsafe for consumption.
Food Production: microorganisms are used in food production, such as in fermentation and brewing.
Biotechnology: microorganisms are used in biotechnology applications, such as genetic engineering and bioremediation.

Microorganisms are living organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye, ranging in size from 0.1 to 5.0 micrometers.
They can be found in almost every environment, including soil, water, air, and the human body.

Bacteria: prokaryotic cells lacking a true nucleus, typically 0.5-5.0 micrometers in size.
Viruses: infectious particles that replicate inside host cells, not considered living cells.
Fungi: eukaryotic cells with a true nucleus, single-celled or multicellular.
Protists: eukaryotic cells with a true nucleus, often single-celled organisms.
Archaea: prokaryotic cells lacking a true nucleus, often found in extreme environments.

Decomposition: breaking down organic matter into simpler compounds.
Nutrient Cycling: converting elements into forms usable by other organisms.
Symbiotic Relationships: forming mutually beneficial relationships with other organisms.
Pathogenesis: causing disease in other organisms.

Binary Fission: cell division into two identical daughter cells.
Spore Formation: formation of resistant structures to survive adverse conditions.
Vegetative Reproduction: growth and division into new cells.

Disease: microorganisms can cause a range of diseases, from mild to severe.
Food Spoilage: microorganisms can cause food to spoil and become unsafe for consumption.
Food Production: microorganisms are used in food production, such as in fermentation and brewing.
Biotechnology: microorganisms are used in biotechnology applications, such as genetic engineering and bioremediation.