Microbiology- The Science An Introduction to Microbiology

What is Microbiology? Microbiology is the study of microbes, which are extremely small, microscopic living organisms and certain non-living entities. Living microbes are known as cellular microbes; examples include bacteria, archaea, some algae, protozoa, and some fungi.

What is Microbiology? Non-living microbes are known as acellular microbes or infectious particles; examples include viroids, prions, and viruses. Microorganisms are ubiquitous meaning they are found virtually everywhere.

Acellular and Cellular Microbes

Why Study Microbiology? Microorganisms play significant roles in our lives and are essential for life on this planet. Microbes live on and in our bodies and, for the most part, are of benefit to our health. Some of the microbes in/on our body have the potential to cause infections and disease.

Why Study Microbiology? Photosynthetic microbes such as algae and bacteria produce much of the oxygen in our atmosphere.

Microbes as Saprophytes Microorganisms called saprophytes are involved in the decomposition of dead organisms and waste products.

Why Study Microbiology? Bioremediation is the use of microbes to clean up toxic wastes, such as oil spills. Many microbes play essential roles in the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorous through the planet. Algae and bacteria serve as food for tiny animals; they are important links in food chains.

Why Study Microbiology? Microbes that live in the intestinal tracts of animals/people aid in the digestion of food and produce beneficial substances. For many years, microorganisms have been used as “cell models”; the more that scientists learned about microbial cells, the more they learned about cells in general.

Microbes and Nitrogen Fixation

Why Study Microbiology? Microbes are used in many industries; e.g., food, beverage, chemical, and antibiotic industries. Microbes have been genetically engineered to produce a variety of useful substances, such as insulin, growth hormones, and materials for vaccines. Microbes called pathogens cause disease. Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death in the world, and the third leading cause of death in the United States.

Why Study Microbiology?

Why Study Microbiology? Microbiology is essential to an individual pursuing a career in a healthcare profession: must be aware of infectious diseases, the pathogens that cause them, the sources of pathogens, how these diseases are transmitted, and how to protect yourself from these diseases.

Ch. 1-1 Introduction to Microbiology Main Ideas Create 3 main idea questions about the details to the right of your notes. Summary Write 2-3 sentences summarizing the topics in your notes. USE YOUR OWN WORDS! Vocabulary Highlight important vocabulary words in your notes.