Lecture 1 - Overview of Microbiology

Introduction
Microbiology is the science or study of microscopic life.


 * - Science: The study of, or a body of knowledge


 * - Taxonomy: To name, describe, classify


 * - Morphology: Shape, other characteristics such as spores, flagella, capsules


 * - Physiology: Enzymes and metabolism


 * - Genetics (molecular biology): DNA and RNA


 * - Ecology: Use of microorganisms to balance ecosystems

Microscopic Life
Macroscopic: The limit of resolution of our eye is .2mm.

Light Microscope: The limit of resolution of light microscopes is .2µm (or 2 Angstroms) under the best conditions, but is usually .5µm


 * Things we can see under the light microscope are:


 * - Some unicellular (primitive) algae


 * - Protozoa


 * - Rickettsia


 * - Mycoplasma (usually NOT visible)

Classification of Microscopic Life
Under Linnaeus, Whittaker, and Woese.

Subdisciplines of Microbiology

 * Phycology - Study of algae


 * Mycology - Study of fungi (mushrooms, molds, yeast)


 * Protozoology - Study of protozoa


 * Virology - Study of viruses


 * Bacteriology - Study of bacteria


 * Medical microbiology - Study of the relationship between disease and micro-organisms


 * Parasitology - Study of protozoa, helminths, some insects that act as vectors (mosquitoes)


 * Immunology - Study of defense mechanism, antibodies, antigens. Includes allergy and hypersensitivities


 * Molecular biology - DNA/RNA sequencing for the purposes of identification of the organism and its genetic relationship with other organisms


 * Microbial ecologist - Study of how organisms act in the soil, water, or other habitats. Study of their part in the carbon and nitrogen cycles


 * Microbial physiologist - Study of metabolic pathways such as fermentation

Beneficial Aspects of Microorganisms
Decomposers: Saprophytes (sapro=rotten, phytes=plant) absorb the nutrient from dead organisms. This recycling of the nutrients is the microorganisms' most important role.

Produces Antibiotics: Chemical from micro-organisms that will kill or stop the growth of another micro-organism in small concentrations

Produces other chemicals and drugs such as acetic acid, alcohol, or insulin from genetically modified E.coli

Foods such cheese, yogurt, bread, beer, wine

Research tools; bacteria have 1 chromosome as opposed to the humans' 46 so they are easier to study.

Detrimental Aspects of Microorganisms
Spoilage—bacteria/fungi will absorb nutrients from still useful things like houses, our foods, shower curtains, etc

Cause plant and animal disease