Lecture 1 - What is microbiology

Question 1

What are the fundamental differences between bacteria archaea and eukarya

Answer 1

Fundamentally bacteria and archaea share several similarities including the absence of the nucleus in the form of a nucleic and the absence of no membrane bound organelles. Both share similar characteristics in metabolism. Differences arise from the chemistry of the cell wall bacteria being G-3-p and archaea G-1-P. In addition, bacteria cannot be methanogens (produce methane) and Archaea cannot be pathogenic.

Question 2

Describe the importance of microbes and their uses (Environment, food etc)

Answer 2

Microbes play a very large role in the environment contributing to the decomposition of organic matters, contributing to the nitrogen and carbon fixation through nutrient cycling. The production of biofuels and bioremediation are other areas in which microbes are used in.

Microbes are also used to carry out fermentation process which can produce food products. For example, yeast is used to make foods and drinks like alcohol and bread. Other foods that are created using microbes are yoghurt, cheese. It is also used for food preservation like pickling foods.

In the industry (biotechnology), microbes are used in genetically modified foods, pharmaceuticals and gene therapy (using bacteriophages to alter genes).

Question 3

Briefly describe the fermentation process of dairy product. Give example of a named microbe involved in this process.

Answer 3

Can be done with Lactobacillus bulgaricus or streptococcus thermophilus

Question 4

With the aid of a diagram briefly describe the carbon cycle?

Answer 4

CO2 → carbon fixation(photosynthesis) → sugar → respiration → CO2 (draw as a cycle)