Humans and the Microbial World

Flashcards to help review lecture notes on the microbial world.

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

Simple magnifying glass, studied lake water, observed "animalcules"

Robert Hooke

Also credited with the discovery of microbes, Described “microscopical mushroom” (common bread mold) in 1665

Microorganisms/Microbes

Organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye. Includes acellular members.

Spontaneous Generation

Belief that life arises spontaneously from non-living material.

Francesco Redi demonstrated worms on rotting meat came from eggs of what?

Flies landing on meat

Spallanzani

Boiled broths longer and sealed flasks

Louis Pasteur demonstrated what?

Air is filled with microorganisms

Biogenesis

The production of living things from other living things

Endospores

Heat-resistant form of bacteria

Germ Theory of Disease

Microorganisms cause diseases

Normal Microbiota

Essential role in human health by preventing disease, aiding in digestion, and promoting the development of the immune system

Microbiome

Total genetic content of the microbial community

Microorganisms in the environment contribute to…

Recycling of nutrients, oxygen production through photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation

Bioremediation

Use of microorganisms to hasten decay of pollutants

Biotechnology

Use of microbiological and biochemical techniques to solve practical problems

Genetic engineering

Production of medications by certain microorganisms, including insulin for treatment of diabetes and production of plants with desirable qualities

Pathogens

Damage to body tissues, Result of pathogen’s growth and products, Result of body’s defense mechanisms

Emerging Infectious Disease (EID)

More common in last several decades

Two basic cell structures

Prokaryotic cells do not have a membrane-bound nucleus, Eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles

Three domains of life

Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya

Binomial System of Nomenclature

Genus (capitalized) and Specific epithet, or species name (not capitalized)

Bacteria

Single-celled prokaryotes with peptidoglycan in cell walls

Shapes of bacteria

Coccus, Bacillus, Vibrio, Spirillum, Spirochete

Bacterial Cell Arrangements

Diplococci, Streptococcus, Sarcina, Staphylococcus

Archaea

Single-celled prokaryotes without peptidoglycan in cell walls; many are extremophiles

Eukarya

Single-celled or multicellular eukaryotes

Eukaryotes studied by microbiologists

Fungi, algae, protozoa, and helminths (worms)

Fungi

Use organic material for energy; yeasts and molds

Algae

Use sunlight for energy

Protozoa

Use organic material for energy; single-celled microscopic organisms

Helminths

Use organic material for energy; adult worms are typically macroscopic

Acellular Infectious Agents

Viruses, viroids, prions

Viruses

DNA or RNA surrounded by a protein coat; obligate intracellular agents

Viroids

Only RNA; no protein coat; obligate intracellular agents

Prions

Only protein; misfolded versions of normal cellular proteins