Download Introduction - 1 Independent Study

Independent Study - Introduction
I. Living Members of the Microbial World (SECTION 1.3)
Composed of cells; generally replicate independently
Bacteria
Prokaryotes (FIGURE 3.23)
A primary focus of this course; most either beneficial or not harmful
Archaea (FIGURE 3.23)
Prokaryotes; Appearance similar to members of the Bacteria
No known pathogens; many extremophiles
Eucarya
Eukaryotes (FIGURE 3.46)
• Algae – diverse group of photosynthetic eukaryotes that often live in aqueous
environments
• Fungi – yeasts, molds, mushrooms
• Protozoa – single-celled eukaryotes that are not algae or fungi
• Multicellular parasites (worms) – live at the expense of a host
Nomenclature
Genus (first letter is capitalized) - species (lower case)
Italicize or underline the entire name
Strain is sometimes indicated
II. Non-Living Members of the Microbial World (SECTION 1.4)
Acellular; require host cells for replication
Viruses
Nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat
Viroids
Nucleic acid only (RNA)
Prions
Protein only (ex. agent that causes “mad cow” disease)
III. Classification/Nomenclature (SECTION 10.1)
Classification – process of arranging organisms into similar or related groups, primarily to provide easy
identification and study.
Taxonomic hierarchies (you only need to know domain, genus and species)
• Domain - a collection of similar kingdoms
• Kingdom - a collection of similar phyla or divisions
• Phylum/division - a collection of similar classes
• Class - a collection of similar orders
• Order - a collection of similar families
• Family - a collection of similar genera
• Genus - a collection of related species
• Species - a group of related isolates or strains
Introduction -
1
Lecture - Introduction
I. General Course Information (read course website)
II. Independent Study Questions
1. What is the fundamental difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?
2. List and describe the two domains of prokaryotic organisms.
3. List and describe the four groups of eukaryotic microorganisms.
4. List and describe the three types of non-living infectious agents.
5. What are prions?
6. In the name Bacillus anthracis - which part indicates the genus and which the species?
7. Which is most closely related - organisms in the same genus or organisms in the same species?
III. Why Microbiology? Microbiology: A Human Perspective (SECTION 1.2)
Vital Activities of Microorganisms
• Microorganisms are absolutely essential to other forms of life.
Applications of Microbiology
Food production
Biodegradation
Commercially valuable products from bacteria
Biotechnology
Medical microbiology
Microbes are important causes of morbidity and mortality.
o Understanding why/how they cause disease can help prevent disease
Microorganisms as Model Organisms
Bacteria are relatively easy to study; the information gained can be used to better understand
other organisms, including humans.
IV. Additional Information
V. Review Question
1. Describe three general reasons why microbiology is important.
Introduction -
2