Microbiology Study Notes

Microbiology Study Notes

• Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms.
• Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotes.
• They are found in environments with moisture.
• Protozoa can enter a dormant stage with no water.
• Protozoa are classified by how they move (pseudopods, cilia, or flagella).
• Algae can be unicellular or multicellular.
• They use photosynthesis.
• Algae are classified by pigmentation.
• Agar is used to solidify a culture medium for microorganisms.
• Parasites are organisms that live off and cause damage to a host.
• Worms, such as flukes and tapeworms, can be parasites.
• Viruses are non-living infectious particles.
• They require a host cell to replicate.
• Spontaneous generation is the false idea that living things arise from non-living matter.
• Louis Pasteur disproved spontaneous generation using swan-necked flasks.
• Koch's postulates are used to link a specific microorganism with a specific disease.
• Etiology is the study of the cause of a disease.
• Pathogens are disease-causing agents.
• Aseptic techniques and handwashing prevent contamination in scientific procedures.
• Microbes can cause serious disease in humans, animals and plants.
• Microbial life on earth is vital for the environment.
• Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
• Microbial life affects many human activities.
• Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya are domains in the tree of life.
• Taxonomy involves categorizing and classifying organisms.
• Microbial classification is a critical part of Microbiology.
• Microscopy, staining, and classification methods are critical for studying microbes.
• Different microscopy techniques exist (light, electron).
• Staining methods facilitate visualization of microbes.
• Various staining techniques emphasize different aspects of microbes.
• Bacteria reproduce through binary fission.
• Microbial genetics involves studying the inheritance and transfer of genetic material.
• Bacteria can swap genes (horizontal transfer).
• Transformation involves taking up external DNA.
• Transduction utilizes viruses to transfer genetic material.
• Conjugation uses pili for cell-to-cell contact and gene transfer.
• Microbial metabolism includes various pathways (Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle).
• Fermentation can occur when oxygen is scarce and involves other electron acceptors.
• Microbial life and infection can have both positive and negative impacts on ecosystems and human life.