(LE1) Scope and History of Microbiology Flashcards
What are the different organism types?
- fungi
- bacteria
- viruses
- protozoans
- helminths (certain stages)
What are the defining traits of bacteria?
- Prokaryotic organism
- no nucleus
- no membrane-bound organelles
How are viruses intracellular parasites?
They need to be inside cells to live (divide, make protein, etc.)
Define protozoans
- mostly unicellular, eukaryotic
- “animal-like” meaning motile
- most are harmless; few are pathogenic
Describe fungi
- eukaryotic
- most are harmless (beneficial)
- Saprobes: eat decaying matter
What kind of fungi are yeast?
unicellular
What kind of fungi are molds and mushrooms?
multicellular
Describe helminths
- multicellular eukaryote
- Eggs and sometimes larvae are microscopic
- adults are not
Describe Ebola
- largest known virus
- hemorrhagic
- contagious seven days after patient passes
An example of a bacteria with a symbiotic relation to humans and our normal flora. What are the outcomes?
Escherichia coli
- breaks down certain foods (cellulose)
- produces gas
- produces vitamin K
- microbial competition for resources
What are saprobes? What microbes are saprobes?
Organisms that aid in decomposition and facilitate the nutrient cycling of Carbon and Nitrogen
- fungi
- bacteria
- protozoans
What is bioremediation? Name some examples
Using microbes to clean up waste and toxins
- sewage treatment plants
- Oleophiles: eat oil
What are examples of humans harnessing the power of microbes?
Penicillin
- insulin (recombination techniques: put human DNA into bacteria)
What is Robert Hooke’s significance?
- first to look at cells using a compound microscope
What is Antonie van Leeuwenhoek’s significance?
first to look at living cells, “animalcules”
- led to cell theory: all living things made of cells and came from pre-existing cells