Microbiology: Chapter 1 (unfinished)

Microorganisms, Viruses, and Taxonomy

What is microbiology?

The study of organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

What fields are related to microbiology?

What are eukaryotic cells?

What are examples of eukaryotic cells?

What are prokaryotic cells?

What are examples of prokaryotic cells?

What are the main types of microorganisms?

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, helminths (worms), and algae.

What is immunology?

The study of the immune system.

What does biotechnology encompass?

The process of making drugs for the human population to cure diseases, such as cancer.

What is the goal of public health?

To trap diseases to make populations less likely to be infected.

What is genetic engineering?

A part of biotechnology that allows for the creation of the drug itself.

What is bioremediation?

Using living organisms to help resolve environmental issues.

What are prokaryotes?

Simple, unicellular, microscopic organisms with no membrane-bound organelles.

What are eukaryotes?

Complex cells that can be unicellular or multicellular and contain membrane-bound organelles.

What defines viruses?

Acellular, parasitic particles made of nucleic acid and protein.

What is the structure of non-enveloped viruses?

They have a capsid (protein) protecting their genome (RNA or DNA) and can assemble thousands of viruses through lysis.

What characterizes enveloped viruses?

They have an envelope surrounding the capsid and genome, spike proteins for attachment, and can enter host cells through various mechanisms.

What is photosynthesis?

The process of converting light energy and CO2 into organic material.

What is decomposition?

The breakdown of dead matter and waste compounds into food.

What are pathogens?

Microbes that cause harm to their hosts.

What are some reasons for the increase in infectious diseases?

More access to vaccines, more regulation, more funding, easier distribution, and improved sanitation.

What is spontaneous generation?

The belief that life was formed from vital forces.

What is the theory of biogenesis?

The concept that life comes from other life.

What is abiogenesis?

The idea that life originated from non-living matter.

What is the scientific method?

A systematic approach involving observation, questioning, hypothesis formation, experimentation, results, and conclusion.

What is the Germ Theory of Disease?

The theory that diseases are caused by microbes.

Who were the two major contributors to the Germ Theory?

Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch.

What is taxonomy?

The science of organizing, classifying, and naming organisms.

What are the levels of classification in taxonomy?

Domain, kingdom, phylum (or division), class, order, family, genus, species.

What is binomial nomenclature?

A system of naming organisms where the genus is capitalized and the species is lowercase, both italicized or underlined.

What are the three domains of life?

Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.