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What is microbiology?
The study of microorganisms, their functions, diversity, evolution, interactions and their role in the world
What are the 2 main themes of microbiology?
Understanding the nature and function of the microbial world
Applying this knowledge to benefit humanity and Earth
What are the three domains of life?
Archaea
Bacteria
Eukarya
When did microbial cells first appear on Earth?
Between 3.8 and 3.9 billion years ago
What is the relationship between microorganisms and human health?
Most microorganisms are harmless, with only a small number being pathogenic. Many live inside and on our bodies as normal microbiome
How has the impact of infectious diseases changed since the 1900s?
Early 1900s: Leading cause of death
Today: Better controlled through improved sanitation, vaccines and antibiotics
What is Staphylococcus aureus and why is it significant?
Found in 20-30% of people
Can cause minor to life-threatening infections
MRSA is a significant antibiotic-resistant strain
What is Candida albicans?
Natural inhabitant of digestive tract and mucous membranes
Can cause various infections from superficial to systemic
Causes approximately 500,000 deaths annually
What is nitrogen fixation?
Process where bacteria convert atmospheric N2 to NH3, making nitrogen available for plant use
How do Rhizobium bacterial help plants?
Colonise plant root system and form nodules
Convert N2 to NH3
Enable plants to produce nitrogen-rich leaves and seeds
What is thee roles of microorganisms in ruminant animals?
They live in the rumen and help digest and ferment cellulose, enabling ruminants to thrive on grass and hay
What is the human microbiome?
Trillions of microorganisms and thousands of species living in our bodies, including bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses
How does the human microbiome develop?
Initial exposure during birth and breastfeeding
Shaped by environment and diet
Unique to each person based on DNA
What are the key functions of the human microbiome?
Stimulates immune system
Breaks down toxic compounds
Synthesises vitamins (B vitamins and K)
Helps digest complex carbohydrates
What is Fusarium basal rot (FBR)?
A soil-borne disease affecting onions caused by Fusarium oxysporum fsp. cepae (FOC)
What is the economic importance of onions?
Annual production: 78.5M tonnes worth £9500M
Second most valuable vegetable crop globally after tomato
UK production valued at £110M per year
How does Fusarium infection affect onions?
Directly infects roots through soil spore germination
Causes bulb rot late in season or in storage
Can affect plants at any developmental age
What are the three roles of microorganisms in food?
Pathogenic - causing infections of intoxications
Saprophytic - causing food spoilage
Cultured - used in food processing
What are the first-generation biofuels?
Biofuels produced from edible plants like:
Sugar cane (Brazil)
Sugar beet (France)
Corn kernels (USA)
What are the challenges of first-generation biofuels?
Biofuels made from non-food plant materials (lignocellulose) such as stalks, sawdust and wood chips
What is Sulfolobus solfataricus?
An archaeon from volcanic pools that produces cellulase enzyme, studied for biofuel production
What is Trichoderma reesei and its importance?
Soil-dwelling fungus producing cellulase
Converts 75% of straw fibre to sugar
Used in biofuel production
How is yeast used in biofuel production?
Saccharomyces cerevisiae ferments glucose into ethanol
What is microbial biotechnology?
The use of microorganisms to create valuable commercial products, including medical compounds like insulin
What happens when plants lack proper nodulation in nitrogen-poor soil?
Plants become chlorotic
Low nitrogen content
Poor seed yield
What are the largest populations of human microbiota found?
In the small and large intestines
What are the digestive benefits of the human microbiome?
Breaks down complex carbohydrates
Produces short chain fatty acids
Supports muscle function
Helps prevent chronic diseases
Protects against harmful organisms
What is the importance of nitrogen for plants?
Critical limiting element for growth
Major component of chlorophyll
Found in amino acids, ATP and nucleic acids
How do microorganisms benefit agriculture?
Through nitrogen fixation
Supporting ruminant digestion
Improving soil fertility
What are emerging microbial threats?
Bird flu and Ebola - animal diseases that can spread to humans and quickly become widespread
How do opportunistic pathogens work?
They normally don’t cause disease but can become pathogenic when the host’s immune system is weakened
What is the significance of soil-borne plant diseases?
They cause major economic losses in agriculture by affecting crop yields and storage
What are the main characteristics of a healthy microbiome?
Contains both helpful and potentially harmful microbes
Mostly symbiotic relationships
Balanced composition
Controlled pathogenic organisms
What’s the difference between first and second generation biofuels?
First-generation uses edible food crops, while second-generation uses non-food plant materials and waste products
How do microorganisms contribute to sustainable energy?
Through biofuel production, helping breakdown plant materials into usable energy sources
What is the role of genetic modification in microbial biotechnology?
It helps create microorganisms that can more efficiently produce valuable products and medical compounds
What are the main applications of microorganisms in industry?
Food production and processing
Biofuel generations
Medical compound synthesis
Biotechnology products