Environmental and Applied Microbiology Flashcards
It is a branch of microbiology that focuses on the study of microorganisms in natural environments and their applications in various fields. It combines principles of ecology, genetics, biochemistry, and biotechnology to understand microbial roles in ecosystems and harness their potential for practical uses.
Environmental and Applied Microbiology
_______________ studies microorganisms in their natural habitats, including soil, water, air, and extreme environments. It explores their roles in biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem functioning, and interactions with other organisms.
Environmental microbiology
Examines the diversity, distribution, and interactions of microorganisms in ecosystems.
Studies microbial communities (microbiomes) in environments like soil, oceans, and the human body.
Microbial Ecology
Investigates the role of microbes in cycling elements like carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus.
Examples:
- Carbon Cycle: Microbes decompose organic matter, releasing CO₂.
- Nitrogen Cycle: Bacteria fix nitrogen, convert ammonia to nitrate (nitrification), and reduce nitrate to nitrogen gas (denitrification).
Biogeochemical Cycles
Convert ammonia to nitrate
Nitrification
Reduce nitrate to nitrogen gas
Denitrification
Studies microorganisms that thrive in extreme conditions (e.g., high temperature, pH, salinity, pressure).
Examples:
- Thermophiles (heat-loving)
- Halophiles (salt-loving)
- Acidophiles (acid-loving)
Extremophiles
Explores symbiotic relationships (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism) and microbial competition.
Examples:
- Mycorrhizae: Fungi that form mutualistic relationships with plant roots.
- Biofilms: Microbial communities that adhere to surfaces and cooperate for survival.
Microbial Interactions
Examines how microbes respond to and influence environmental changes, such as pollution and climate change.
Environmental Impact of Microbes
