Microbiology Basics

Microbiology

Definition and Scope

• Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists.
• Microorganisms are tiny living organisms that require a microscope to be seen.

Types of Microorganisms

• Bacteria: prokaryotic cells, typically 0.5-5.0 μm in size, with a cell wall and a single circular chromosome.
  • Examples: E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella
• Viruses: small, infectious particles that replicate inside host cells.
  • Examples: influenza, HIV, COVID-19
• Fungi: eukaryotic organisms, including molds and yeasts.
  • Examples: Candida, Aspergillus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae
• Protists: eukaryotic organisms that don't fit into other kingdoms.
  • Examples: protozoa, algae, slime molds

Microbial Growth and Nutrition

• Microbial growth: an increase in the number of microorganisms.
• Nutrition: microorganisms obtain energy and nutrients from their environment.
  • Autotrophs: produce their own food (e.g., photosynthesis).
  • Heterotrophs: obtain energy from other organisms.

Microbial Interactions

• Symbiosis: close relationships between different species.
  • Mutualism: both species benefit.
  • Commensalism: one species benefits, the other is unaffected.
  • Parasitism: one species benefits, the other is harmed.
• Pathogenesis: the process by which microorganisms cause disease.
  • Virulence factors: characteristics that contribute to pathogenesis.

Microbial Control and Sterilization

• Microbial control: methods to reduce or eliminate microorganisms.
  • Physical methods: heat, radiation, filtration.
  • Chemical methods: disinfectants, antiseptics.
  • Biological methods: antibiotics, vaccines.
• Sterilization: the complete elimination of microorganisms.
  • Autoclaving: using high-pressure steam.
  • Lyophilization: freezing and drying.

Microbiology Applications

• Medicine: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
• Food and Water: preservation, safety, and quality control.
• Environmental Science: bioremediation, pollution control, and ecosystem studies.
• Biotechnology: genetic engineering, vaccine development, and bioproducts.

Microbiology

• Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists.

Characteristics of Microorganisms

• Microorganisms are tiny living organisms that require a microscope to be seen.
• They come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from 0.5-5.0 μm.

Types of Microorganisms

• Bacteria: prokaryotic cells with a cell wall and a single circular chromosome, typically 0.5-5.0 μm in size.
  • Examples: E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella
• Viruses: small, infectious particles that replicate inside host cells.
  • Examples: influenza, HIV, COVID-19
• Fungi: eukaryotic organisms, including molds and yeasts.
  • Examples: Candida, Aspergillus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae
• Protists: eukaryotic organisms that don't fit into other kingdoms.
  • Examples: protozoa, algae, slime molds

Microbial Growth and Nutrition

• Microbial growth: an increase in the number of microorganisms.
• Nutrition: microorganisms obtain energy and nutrients from their environment.
  • Autotrophs: produce their own food (e.g., photosynthesis).
  • Heterotrophs: obtain energy from other organisms.

Microbial Interactions

• Symbiosis: close relationships between different species.
  • Mutualism: both species benefit.
  • Commensalism: one species benefits, the other is unaffected.
  • Parasitism: one species benefits, the other is harmed.
• Pathogenesis: the process by which microorganisms cause disease.
  • Virulence factors: characteristics that contribute to pathogenesis.

Microbial Control and Sterilization

• Microbial control: methods to reduce or eliminate microorganisms.
  • Physical methods: heat, radiation, filtration.
  • Chemical methods: disinfectants, antiseptics.
  • Biological methods: antibiotics, vaccines.
• Sterilization: the complete elimination of microorganisms.
  • Autoclaving: using high-pressure steam.
  • Lyophilization: freezing and drying.

Microbiology Applications

• Medicine: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
• Food and Water: preservation, safety, and quality control.
• Environmental Science: bioremediation, pollution control, and ecosystem studies.
• Biotechnology: genetic engineering, vaccine development, and bioproducts.