introduction to microbiology Flashcards
define microbiology
the study of living organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye
define microorganism
a microscopic organism too small to be seen with the naked eye
how do microbes affect the our health
prevent infection
maintain the microbiome of our intestinal tract( vitimins B and K)
biotech and genetic engineering
how do microbes affect the food industry
food production
food storage
food poisoning
how do microbes affect the drug industry
antibiotics
penicillin
vaccines
how do microbes affect sewerage treatment
breaks down and degrades biological waste
reduces environmental impact
produces gas
how do microbes affect compost breakdown
breaks down organic matter so plants can absorb nutrients
produces richer soil( fertilizer)
reduces need for water by 30 %
what are normal flora
micro organisms that live on or in our bodies but do not normally cause disease .
what are the ways in which normal flora protect the body
occupying space
depletin food supplyfor communicable pathogens.
where does normal flora reside in the human body
digestive tract
skin
respiratory tract
what is the role of normal flora
protection from external invaders
nutrition
immunostimulation.
stimulate - development if certain tissues in gi tract
what are pathogenic flora
any microorganisms which may cause disease. only 3 % cause disease
what is an opportunistic microorganism
when conditions change and upset the normal flora he microorgnisms can take advantage of the change in conditions and cause problems by replicating at a faster rate
define pathogenic microorganism
any organism which may cause infection
define commensalism
one organism benifits but is of no consequence to the other: human host and normal flora
