Microbiology Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards based on microbiology lecture notes.

Cellular Microbes

require oxygen. Includes all bacteria, archaea, and protozoa. & some algae & function

Acellular Microbes

Non-living infectious agents including viroids, prions, and viruses.

Ubiquitous Microorganisms

Microorganisms that are virtually everywhere.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms including archaea and bacteria.

Eukaryotes

Multi-celled organisms including algae, fungi, and protozoa.

Pathogens

Microbes that cause diseases.

Non-Pathogens

Microbes that do not cause diseases.

Indigenous Microflora

Microbes that live in or on bodies.

Opportunistic Pathogens

Microbes that usually harmless, but can cause disease under certain conditions.

Infectious Disease

Disease where the pathogen colonizes the body-spreads from one to another, and produces it outside.

Microbial Intoxication

Disease caused by a toxin produced in vitro (inside the body).

Saprophytes

Organisms that break down dead matter.

Genetic Engineering

The process of transferring gene(s) from one organism to another.

Anton Van Leewenhoek

Father of Microbiology, observed "animalicules".

Pasteurization

Process that heats liquids to extend shelf life.

Robert Koch

Proved Germ Theory of Disease.

Deci-

A tenth.

Centi-

A hundredth.

Milli-

A millionth.

Nano-

One billionth.

Simple Microscope

Microscope with one magnifying lens.

Compound Microscope

Microscope with two lenses.

Fine course

Microscope that has a fine course with small (clear) adjustments.

Course Adjustment

Microscope that moves stage up and down with big adjustments.

Brightfield Microscope

Uses a bright background.

Darkfield Microscope

Uses a dark field.

Fluorescent Microscope

Uses Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) light; causes microbes to glow.

Electron Microscope

Microscope that can see small microbes (rabies & smallpox virus).

Electron beam

Electron Microscope utilizing transmission & scanning (3D).

Atomic Force Microscope

Microscope that can sample living organisms (cells).

Cell

The fundamental unit of any living organism.

Eukaryotes

Cells that have a true nucleus, nucleoplasm, chromosomes (DNA), nuclear membrane.

Prokaryotes

Cells that have No Membrane-bound organelles (protected by cellular membrane).

Nucleus

The "Command center" of the cell.

Cytoplasm

Between nucleus and cellular membrane; semi fluid.

Ribosome

In cytoplasm, makes proteins.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Two types: Rough ER & Smooth ER.

Flagella

Long, thin, whiplike organelles of locomotion.

Cilia

Hair (contains microtubules).

Archaea

Prokaryotes that survive in extreme environments.

DNA - Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Double stranded molecule Nucleic Acid that's (lack O2).

RNA - Ribonucleic Acid

Single stranded molecule Nucleic Acid that's (O2).

Golgi Complex/Apparatus

Communicates & connects with ER.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of cells (by cellular respiration); Produces ATP.

Cytoskeleton

System of fibers through the cytoplasm.

Cell Wall

External structure: shape, protection, & rigidity.

peptidoglycan

Main constituent - mostly peptidoglycan (only in bacteria).

Gram B (Bacteria) +: positive

Thick layer of peptidoglycan (mesh of sugar & AA forming the cell wall).

Sporulation

Formation process to survive in extreme environments/conditions.

Taxonomy

Science classification of living organisms. (classification, nomenclature, identification)