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Questions and Answers
Which disease is caused by Mycobacterium bovis?
Which disease is caused by Mycobacterium bovis?
What role do microorganisms play in the production of biofuels?
What role do microorganisms play in the production of biofuels?
What bioremediation strategy involves adding nutrients to stimulate microbial activity?
What bioremediation strategy involves adding nutrients to stimulate microbial activity?
Which of the following is NOT a product derived from microorganisms?
Which of the following is NOT a product derived from microorganisms?
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What is the significance of cyanobacteria in the ocean?
What is the significance of cyanobacteria in the ocean?
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What was unique about Henry T Ford’s 1941 Model T-Ford?
What was unique about Henry T Ford’s 1941 Model T-Ford?
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What do plastic-eating bacteria primarily address?
What do plastic-eating bacteria primarily address?
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Which approach aims to design cells for specific functions in synthetic biology?
Which approach aims to design cells for specific functions in synthetic biology?
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What is the approximate age of the Earth?
What is the approximate age of the Earth?
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Which type of microorganisms were the first organisms on Earth?
Which type of microorganisms were the first organisms on Earth?
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What do stromatolites primarily result from?
What do stromatolites primarily result from?
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What gas did photosynthetic activity on ancient Earth consume?
What gas did photosynthetic activity on ancient Earth consume?
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What is the main flaw in the historical 5 kingdoms of life classification?
What is the main flaw in the historical 5 kingdoms of life classification?
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What is the basis for modern classification of organisms?
What is the basis for modern classification of organisms?
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Which of these quotes reflects the importance of microorganisms in nature?
Which of these quotes reflects the importance of microorganisms in nature?
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What environmental condition is required for the development of stromatolites?
What environmental condition is required for the development of stromatolites?
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How many domains of life are recognized, according to phylogenetics?
How many domains of life are recognized, according to phylogenetics?
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What proportion of all living organisms are estimated to be prokaryotes?
What proportion of all living organisms are estimated to be prokaryotes?
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Which statement about the eukaryotes domain is true?
Which statement about the eukaryotes domain is true?
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What is one of the impacts of microbiology on society?
What is one of the impacts of microbiology on society?
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Which of the following is a pathogenic effect of microorganisms?
Which of the following is a pathogenic effect of microorganisms?
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Which group of microorganisms is the largest in terms of diversity and number?
Which group of microorganisms is the largest in terms of diversity and number?
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What challenge is presented by microorganisms like Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?
What challenge is presented by microorganisms like Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?
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What factor has contributed to the reduction of infectious diseases in developed countries?
What factor has contributed to the reduction of infectious diseases in developed countries?
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What does MRSA stand for?
What does MRSA stand for?
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Which of the following is a common food preservation method?
Which of the following is a common food preservation method?
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How do legumes contribute to soil health?
How do legumes contribute to soil health?
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What type of microorganisms are ruminants' rumens rich in?
What type of microorganisms are ruminants' rumens rich in?
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What is primarily produced by the fermentation of glucose in ruminants?
What is primarily produced by the fermentation of glucose in ruminants?
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Which microorganism is crucial in the fermentation process of yogurt?
Which microorganism is crucial in the fermentation process of yogurt?
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Which of the following is NOT a consequence of MRSA infection?
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of MRSA infection?
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What essential nutrients are available for plant growth through soil microorganisms?
What essential nutrients are available for plant growth through soil microorganisms?
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Study Notes
The Microbial Planet
- Earth is approximately 4.6 billion years old
- Single-celled microorganisms were the first organisms on Earth, appearing approximately 3.7 billion years ago, far before plants and animals.
- Microorganisms can be documented throughout 80% of Earth's history.
- Louis Pasteur stated, "The role of the infinitely small in nature is infinitely large."
Lecture Topics
- Meet the Microbes
- The Microbial Planet (covering the history of human-microbe interactions)
- Medical Microbiology
- Prokaryotic genetics
- Microbial molecular diagnostics
- Microbiomes
- Environmental Microbiology
- Microbes and Food Production
- Food Preservation Methods
- Marine Microbiology
- Tutorials/Practicals
Lecturers
- Dr Merve Suzan
- Zeden
- Prof Vince O'Flaherty
- Prof Gerard Wall
- Dr Kate Reddington
- A. Prof Florence Abram
- Dr Gavin Collins
- Dr Alma Siggins
- Dr Katrina Lacey
O₂ Atmosphere
- Evidence of early microorganisms is recorded in the fossil record of stromatolites.
- Stromatolites are organo-sedimentary structures formed by sediment trapping, binding or precipitation due to the growth and metabolic activity of microorganisms, mainly cyanobacteria (photosynthetic bacteria).
- Stromatolites developed in shallow water where light and CO₂ supported photosynthesis.
- Photosynthetic activity on ancient Earth consumed atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and enriched the atmosphere with oxygen (O2), paving the way for plant and animal life.
Historical 5 Kingdoms of Life
- The original five-kingdom classification of organisms was based on morphology and nutrition.
- This method proved to be incorrect
- Prokaryotes were grouped into a single kingdom (Monera), while four other eukaryotic kingdoms (Protista, Plantae, Fungi, and Animalia) were established.
This Classification is Incorrect
- Bacterial morphology does not accurately reflect their taxonomy.
Classification Based on Analysis of Gene or Amino Acid Sequences
- Classification is based on the analysis of gene or amino acid sequences.
- By comparing similar gene sequences in various organisms, evolutionary relatedness can be determined.
- This method is termed phylogenetics.
- Carl Woese used ribosomal RNA gene analysis to establish the universal tree of life.
Three Domains of Life
- All living organisms fall into one of three domains: bacteria, archaea, or eukaryotes.
- Bacteria and archaea are distinct domains.
- The eukaryotes domain encompasses all eukaryotic cells, including algae, slime molds, fungi, plants, animals, and humans.
- Extraordinary diversity is evident within the prokaryote domains.
- The vast majority of living organisms are prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea).
How Many?
- Estimated total number of prokaryotes: 4 - 6 x 10^30.
- This is a massive number, far exceeding the number of stars in the universe or people on Earth (approximately 6 billion).
Macroscopic Clues to Microorganism Abundance
- Nutrient-rich waters supporting harmful algal blooms (HABs), such as E. huxleyi blooms, can indicate significant microorganism presence.
- Biofilms inside industrial pipes are another macroscopic indication of microbial abundance.
Impact of Microbiology
- Microbiology impacts various aspects, including Health, Food, Environment, Energy, Biotechnology, Agriculture, and Climate & Global Climate Change.
Microorganisms: Friend or Foe
- The majority of microorganisms are friendly, but a small fraction causes disease.
- Microorganisms cause diseases such as; Scalded Skin Syndrome, Pneumonia, Nephritis etc.
Health Impacts
- A small number of microorganisms cause illness in humans and animals.
- Microbiology studies have contributed to successful disease control measures worldwide, such as the development of antibiotics, vaccines, and improved sanitation.
Death Rates (USA 1990-2000)
- Comparing death rates in the USA from 1900 to 2000, there is a significant decrease in mortality from microbial diseases but no significant decline in overall non-microbial deaths.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is highly resistant to multiple antibiotics.
- MRSA can cause skin and soft tissue infections, bacteremia, infections in various organs, leading to various health issues.
Cholera
- Cholera is a waterborne illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera, transmitted via contaminated water or food.
- Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, dehydration, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, persistent vomiting, and muscle cramps.
Microbiology & Food
- Food spoilage and illness are caused by microorganisms such as E. coli 0157:H7.
Food Preservation
- Preservation techniques, such as canning, freezing, freeze-drying, pasteurization, pickling, and radiation/chemicals, can extend the shelf life of food products.
- Food additives (example: monosodium glutamate, citric acid, yeast) are sometimes used in the preservation process.
Food Production
- Microorganisms, such as yeasts and lactic acid bacteria, play crucial roles in producing various food products, such as beer, wine, bread, yogurt, cheese, sour cream, and buttermilk.
Microbiology and Agriculture
- Microorganisms play vital roles in various aspects of agricultural practice, including soil health and fertility, animal husbandry, and disease prevention.
Nitrogen (N2) Fixation
- Soil microorganisms mineralize organic matter, cycling essential nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, sulfur).
- Legumes form symbiotic relationships with certain bacteria, enabling nitrogen fixation (atmospheric N2 conversion into usable forms).
Ruminants and Cellulolytic Microorganisms
- Ruminants (e.g., cows, sheep, goats) have a rumen that supports microorganisms for cellulose digestion.
Agriculture: Foe Aspect
- Plant and livestock pathogens, such as Mycobacterium (bovine tuberculosis), foot-and-mouth disease virus, and Staphylococcus aureus (dairy cattle mastitis) have an impact on agricultural production.
Energy and Environment: Biofuels
- Various microorganisms produce biofuels such as methane, bioethanol, biomethanol, biobutanol, biomethane, biohydrogen, and biodiesel for energy generation. These biofuels offer an alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Bioremediation
- Natural microbial communities have the ability to break down various environmental contaminants.
- Bioremediation involves the use of microorganisms to clean or repair contaminated environments.
- Bioremediation strategies such as bioaugmentation, biostimulation, and bioattenuation can be actively used to assist in the process.
Microorganisms: Engines of the Earth's Biosphere
- Microorganisms drive essential biological activities such as primary productivity, nutrient cycling etc.
Microorganisms : Cycle Essential Nutrients
- Microorganisms play an essential role in the cycling of various vital elements, such as carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O).
Microorganisms and Biotechnology
- Microorganisms are used in various biotechnology applications, such as producing enzymes, pharmaceuticals, GMOs, biosensors, novel chemical products, and gene therapy.
Emerging Biotechnology: Synthetic Biology
- Synthetic biology aims to combine engineering approaches with microbiology to design and construct microorganisms for specific functions (e.g., biofuel production).
Plastic-Eating Bacteria
- Researchers are engineering bacteria to degrade plastic waste.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the history and significance of microorganisms on Earth. This quiz covers topics such as microbial evolution, human-microbe interactions, and the role of microbes in various environments. Dive into the fascinating world of microbes and their impact on our planet!
