Microbial Diversity: Eukaryotic and Pathogenicity

Staining theory

A method used in microbiology to enhance visibility of cells under a microscope.

Eukaryotic organisms

Organisms with a nucleus, which can include microscopic and single-celled forms but are mainly distinguished from prokaryotes.

Giardia lamblia

A eukaryotic organism that causes giardiasis, often transmitted through contaminated water.

Giardiasis

An illness caused by Giardia lamblia, resulting from drinking unfiltered water.

Protozoa

Single-celled eukaryotic organisms that are motile and non-photosynthetic.

Cyst

A protective wall around protozoa that allows survival in unfavorable conditions.

Schizogony

A unique form of asexual reproduction in protozoa, involving multiple nuclei in a single cell.

Nematoda

A phylum of roundworms, characterized by unsegmented bodies and a complete digestive system.

Platyhelminthes

A phylum of flatworms, often segmented, with suckers and hooks for attachment to hosts.

Mycoses

Illnesses caused by fungi.

Opportunistic infections

Infections that occur when the immune system is compromised, caused by organisms that typically do not cause disease.

Chitin

A component of the cell walls of fungi.

Dimorphism

The ability of fungi to exist in two forms, typically as yeast and mold.

Autotrophic

Organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis.

Lichens

A symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a photosynthetic organism like green algae.

Lichenometry

A technique used to estimate the age of a lichen based on its size and growth rate.

Trypanosoma brucei

A parasitic organism studied for its impact on human health.