Download Study Guide 1 - The Microbial World Chpt 1

Independent Study –The Microbial World (Chapter 1)
I.
The Microbial World Living and non-living members
a. Living organisms (section 1.3) – composed of cells; generally replicate independently
i. Prokaryotes
1. Bacteria – a primary focus of this course; most either beneficial or not harmful
2. Archaea – appearance similar to bacteria; no known pathogens; many
extremophiles
ii. Eukaryotes
1. Algae – diverse group of photosynthetic eukaryotes that often live in aqueous
environment
2. Fungi – yeasts, molds, mushrooms
3. Protozoa – single-celled eukaryotes
4. Multicellular parasites (worms) – live at the expense of a host
b. Non-living infectious agents (section 1.4) – acellular; require host cells for replication
i. Viruses – nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat
ii. Viroids – nucleic acid only (RNA)
iii. Prions – protein only (ex. agent that causes “mad cow” disease)
II.
Classification/Nomenclature
a. Classification – process of arranging organisms into similar or related groups, primarily to
provide easy identification and study.
b. Nomenclature – system of assigning names to organisms; binomial system (p. 12; p. 235)
i. Genus (first letter is capitalized) - species (lower case)
ii. Italicize or underline the entire name
iii. Strain is sometimes indicated
III.
The Origin of Microorganisms
a. Theory of spontaneous generation vs. biogenesis
b. Experiments and contributions by:
i. Francesco Redi
ii. John Needham
iii. Lazzaro Spallanzani
iv. Louis Pasteur
v. John Tyndall
IV.
Why Study Microbiology?
a. Microbes are important causes of morbidity and mortality -understanding why/how they cause
disease can help prevent disease
b. Bacteria are relatively easy to study; the information gained can be used to better understand
other organisms, including humans.
c. Bacteria are absolutely essential to other forms of life.
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Study Questions
What is the fundamental difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?
List and describe the two domains of prokaryotic organisms.
List and describe the four groups of eukaryotic microorganisms.
List and describe the three types of non-living infectious agents.
What are prions?
In the name Bacillus anthracis - which part indicates the genus and which the species?
Which are more closely related - organisms in the same genus or organisms in the same species?
Describe three general reasons why microbiology is important.