Download Introduction to Microbiology

REVIEW
Classification and
the 6 Kingdoms
• Classification:
Scientists way of grouping organisms
together based on how closely they
are related – consider appearance,
behaviour, and DNA when grouping
The classification system has 7 levels:
Kingdom
Most General
(Kingdom)
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
More Specific
(Species)
The more similarities two organisms share, the more
recently they may have shared a common ancestor.
What is Microbiology?
Microbiology is the field of biology that studies microorganisms
such as:
• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Protozoa
• Fungi
Organisms that cause disease are called pathogens
Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic
Microorganisms are either:
Prokaryotic – cells which have no nucleus and no membranebound organelles (archaea and eubacteria)
Eukaryotic – cells which have numerous membrane-bound
organelles including a nucleus (protists, fungi,
plants, animals)
They can be so small!
Microorganisms usually require magnification to be observed.
Many are unicellular (made of a single cell) and others form
multicellular groups of associated cells.
Why study Microbiology?
1. Microorganisms are a part of our environment, affecting
our health – and sometimes causing disease
2. Microorganisms can improve the quality of our lives (food,
antibiotics, vaccines, brewing, fermentation)
Insulin Production
Penicillin
Why study microbiology?
3. Microorganisms are good tools to study life processes and
molecular biology
a. Simple life forms
b. Can grow quickly
c. Biotechnology and genetics research tool
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Bad Side: Diseases
caused by microorganisms
Common Cold
AIDS/ HIV
Leprosy
Salmonella
Cholera
Meningitis
Tetanus
Tuberculosis
Who is W.H.O.?
• World Health Organization
• a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN)
that is concerned with international public health
• It’s primary goal: "is the attainment by all people
of the highest possible level of health”
• One of its greatest achievements was the
eradication of smallpox through vaccinations