Microbiology Overview Quiz

Micro

• Definition: Prefix meaning "one millionth" (10^-6) in the International System of Units (SI) or indicating small size in general context.

• Microorganisms:

  • Types:
    • Bacteria: Single-celled, vital for nutrient cycling.
    • Archaea: Similar to bacteria but genetically distinct; often extremophiles.
    • Fungi: Includes yeast and molds; important for decomposition.
    • Protozoa: Single-celled eukaryotes; can be pathogenic.
    • Viruses: Acellular entities that require a host to replicate.
  • Roles:
    • Decomposition and nutrient recycling.
    • Symbiosis in ecosystems (e.g., nitrogen-fixing bacteria).
    • Pathogens causing diseases in humans, animals, and plants.

• Microbiology:

  • Branches:
    • Bacteriology: Study of bacteria.
    • Virology: Study of viruses.
    • Mycology: Study of fungi.
    • Parasitology: Study of parasites.
  • Techniques:
    • Culturing: Growing microorganisms in controlled environments.
    • Microscopy: Using instruments like light and electron microscopes to view small entities.
    • Molecular Techniques: PCR, sequencing for genetic analysis.

• Microeconomics:

  • Focus: Study of individual consumer and business behavior.
  • Key Concepts:
    • Supply and Demand: Interaction of producers and consumers.
    • Elasticity: Responsiveness of quantity demanded/supplied to price changes.
    • Marginal Utility: Additional satisfaction from consuming one more unit.
    • Market Structures: Perfect competition vs. monopolies vs. oligopolies.

• Microcontrollers:

  • Definition: Compact integrated circuits designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system.
  • Components:
    • CPU: Central processing unit for computations.
    • Memory: RAM for temporary storage, Flash for permanent storage.
    • I/O Interfaces: For communication with other devices (sensors, actuators).
  • Applications: Used in automotive systems, home appliances, robotics, and more.

• Microscopy:

  • Types:
    • Light Microscopy: Uses visible light for imaging.
    • Electron Microscopy: Uses electron beams for high-resolution imaging.
    • Scanning Probe Microscopy: Measures surface properties at the nanoscale.
  • Applications: Biological research, materials science, semiconductor inspection.

• Microbial Genetics:

  • Genetic Exchange:
    • Transformation: Uptake of DNA from the environment.
    • Transduction: Transfer of DNA via bacteriophages.
    • Conjugation: Direct transfer of DNA between bacteria.
  • Genetic Engineering: Techniques like CRISPR for gene editing.

• Microbial Ecology:

  • Interactions:
    • Symbiosis: Mutualism, commensalism, parasitism.
    • Competition: Nutrient and habitat competition between microorganisms.
  • Biogeochemical Cycles: Microbes play crucial roles in carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles.

These notes summarize key aspects related to "Micro" across different contexts, providing a succinct overview of the topic.