1. Scope of Microbiology Chapter 1 Textbook: Foundations in Microbiology
K.P. Talaro & A. Talaro

2. Microbiology Definition- Greek- mikros- small; bios-life
the branch of biology that studies microorganisms and their effects on humans.
The study of organisms that are usually too small to be seen with the naked eye- requires a microscope
Includes bacteria, algae, protozoan, fungi, parasitic worms, viruses
Microorgansisms- aka microbes

3. What is studied in Microbiology
Cell structures
Cell function
Genetics
Immunology
Biochemistry
Epidemiology
Ecology

4. Microbes Oldest organisms- over 4 billion years old
Greatest diversity-habitats
Classification- evolutionary relationships
DNA analysis; taxa- general categories, Genus,species.
Essential to ecosystem:
Photosynthetic, decomposers, recyclers

5. Areas of Microbiology Industry- beer, vitamins, drugs, enzymes
Food and Dairy Microbiology
Agriculture
Medicine-
Immunology- study of human defense system
Serology- immune reactions in blood and tissues.
Allergy- hypersensitive responses
Public Health Microbiology &Epidemiology
Control spread of disease
CDC –publishes MMWR- Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and WHO
Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering
Recombinant DNA technology
Hormones, vaccines

6. Subdivisions of Microbiology- Fields of study and employment
Bacteriology
Mycology
Protozoology
Parasitology
Virology
Microbial Morphology
Microbial Physiology
Microbial Ecology
Molecular Biology

7. Impact on Energy and nutrient flow:
Photosynthetic micoorganisms-
Algae and cyannobacterium
50% of photosynthetic organisms on Earth
Producers in aquatic food chains
Produce the majority of O2 in atmosphere.
Decomposers
Recycle nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorous, and carbon
Produce greenhous gases- environment and digestive tracts
50% of microorganisms- under surface as extreme organisms- capable of living in high temps and utilizing extreme nutrients.

8. Symbiotic relationships
Bacteria and fungi with plants
Obtain nutrients and water.
Digestion
Constitute normal flora
Bioremediation
Microbes are used to restore and clean up toxins and pollutants in the environment.
Infectious Diseases
Pathogens
Review Table 1A- Emerging Diseases
Key diseases

9. History of Microbiology
200 years old
Father of Bacteriology- Antoine van Leeuwenhoek-
describes organisms with the aid of a microscope
“animicules”
Louis Pasteur-
Role of microbes in beer and wine
Pasteurization-
Diseases arise from infections
Disproved spontaneous generation
Pioneered sterilization and asceptic technique with Robert Koch

10. Robert Koch Koch’s postulates
Series of proofs used to verify germ theory
Used Bacillus anthracis
Pinpoint causative agent of disease