Introduction to Microbiology (video part1)

Introduction to Microbiology

  • Instructor: Madu Alfao

  • Course: Microbiology, Spring 2026

  • Overview: Introduction to microbiology, basic definitions, and key terms.

Definition of Microbiology

  • Micro: means small

  • Biology: study of life

  • Focus: Microbiology studies small organisms, not human biology.

Types of Microorganisms

  • Includes:

    • Bacteria

    • Viruses

    • Parasites

    • Fungi

    • Protozoa

    • Algae

    • Prions (discussion of prion diseases not included)

  • Microorganisms can be:

    • Harmful (pathogenic)

    • Beneficial (microbiomes)

Microbiomes and Their Importance

  • Gut bacteria are essential for well-being

  • Examples: Different shapes and forms of bacteria will be learned in later chapters.

  • Learning Objectives:

    • List ways microbiomes affect lives

    • Define microbiota and microbiome

Microorganisms

  • Definition: Organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye (require a microscope)

  • Includes both pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms:

    • Pathogenic: Organisms that cause disease.

    • Non-pathogenic: Not all microorganisms cause disease; some are necessary for processes such as:

    • Food preservation

    • Maintenance of healthy environments (e.g., aquatic)

    • Photosynthesis, which produces oxygen and glucose

    • Production of beneficial products (e.g., ethanol)

Gut Microbiome Research (video part 1)

  • Research Focus: Understanding gut microbiome relation to diseases and potential remedies, especially for gastrointestinal disorders and mental health issues.

  • Trillions of cells in the human body contain beneficial bacteria.

  • Known initiatives:

    • Human Microbiome Project

    • National Microbiome Initiative

Scientific Nomenclature

  • Naming Microorganisms:

    • Two-name system (binomial nomenclature):

    • Genus name

    • Specific epithet

    • Developed by: Carl Linnaeus

    • Rules for Scientific Names:

    • Genus: First name, capitalized

    • Specific epithet: Second name, lowercase

    • Names are usually italicized or underlined

Examples of Nomenclature

  • Example: E. coli

    • "E" for the genus (Escherichia), capitalized

    • "coli" for the specific epithet, referring to the colon where it is found

    • Case Study: E. coli associated with Chipotle foodborne illness incident

  • Different naming for other microorganisms:

    • Coccus, which describes shape

    • Staphylococcus aureus: combines shape and appearance; does not honor a discoverer like E. coli does

    • Staphylococcus aureus found on skin; differs in naming logic from E. coli

Conclusion

  • Understanding the nomenclature and types of microbiomes is foundational in microbiology studies.

  • Next steps: Further exploration of the scientific naming system and characteristics of microorganisms in upcoming lectures.