Microbiology: Cell Types, Microbial Diversity, and Disease Study Guide

What is the main focus of microbiology research?

To explore how microbes influence the environment and cause disease.

What are prokaryotes?

The first simple cells to have existed on Earth, approximately 3.5 billion years ago.

What distinguishes eukaryotes from prokaryotes?

Eukaryotes are more complex cells that evolved from prokaryotes and contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

What are viruses classified as?

Acellular, parasitic particles composed of nucleic acid and protein.

What is microbial diversity?

The variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, helminths, and viruses.

Where can bacteria be found?

In nearly every place on Earth, including soil, water, acidic hot springs, and radioactive waste.

What role do fungi play in the environment?

Fungi are decomposers and can exist in both single-celled and multicellular forms.

What is the primary function of algae?

Algae can photosynthesize and are found primarily in water or moist areas.

What are protozoa?

Single-celled eukaryotes that can be found in water or moist environments, some of which are parasitic.

What are helminths?

The largest of the microbes, which are nearly all parasitic.

What are the three domains of life?

Domain Bacteria, Domain Archaea, and Domain Eukarya.

What is taxonomy?

The science of organizing, classifying, and naming living things.

What is the mnemonic for the levels of classification?

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

What is binomial nomenclature?

A system that gives each organism a two-part name: genus (capitalized) and species (lowercase), both italicized or underlined.

What role do microbes play in photosynthesis?

Microbes convert carbon dioxide to organic material, contributing to over 70% of the oxygen we breathe.

What is bioremediation?

The use of living organisms to remedy environmental problems.

What are pathogens?

Microbes that cause harm and diseases.

Who disproved spontaneous generation?

Louis Pasteur, who proved the theory of biogenesis.

What did Antonie van Leeuwenhoek contribute to microbiology?

He was the first to observe living microbes using a single lens magnifying up to 300x.

What is the scientific method?

An approach taken by scientists to explain natural phenomena through hypothesis, experimentation, and analysis.

What was Edward Jenner's contribution to immunology?

He developed the first vaccination for smallpox by exposing individuals to cowpox.

What is the significance of the scientific theory?

It is a hypothesis supported by a growing body of evidence that has survived rigorous scrutiny.

What is the estimated number of new infections caused by microbes each year?

Approximately 10 billion new infections, leading to up to 13 million deaths worldwide.

What is the role of microbes in decomposition?

They break down dead matter and waste into simple compounds, recycling nutrients in the ecosystem.

What are extreme halophiles?

Archaea that thrive in very salty environments.

What are extreme thermophiles?

Archaea that thrive in very hot environments, such as geysers and acid pools.