Chapter 1 Flashcards
What is microbiology?
The study of microorganisms
What are microorganisms?
Organisms too small to be seen by the naked eye, requiring a microscope to study
What are the categories of microorganisms?
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, algae, and helminths (worms)
What are some fun facts about bacteria and fungi?
We have more bacteria than our own cells in our bodies
Fungi are not motile, meaning they don’t move
What is epidemiology?
Where, when, and why disease occurs
What is the CDC?
Center for disease control and prevention
What is WHO?
World health organization
What is MMWR?
Morbidity and mortality weekly report
What is biotechnology?
Using microbes to produce something such as foods, drugs, and vaccines
What is genetic engineering?
Alteration of genetic makeup of organisms
What is industrial microbiology?
Scaling up processes to make big quantities of a desired product
What is immunology?
Study of the immune system. Includes blood testing, vaccination, and allergy
What is agricultural microbiology?
Relationships between microbes and domesticated plants and animals
What are food microbiologists?
Impact of microbes on food supply. Such as food spoilage, food-borne diseases, and production
What are prokaryotes?
Simple cells. They lack nuclei and organelles and are unicellular. They came first in history and are usually rod-shaped
What are eukaryotes?
Complex cells. They contain nuclei and organelles. Some are unicellular, some types vary, and some are multicellular
What are viruses?
Acellular, parasitic particles composed of a nucleic acid and protein. They are nonliving and have either DNA or RNA (unlike living things, which have both)
What is photosynthesis?
Light fueled conversion of carbon dioxide to organic material
What is decomposition?
Breakdown of dead matter and wastes into simple compounds
Are bacteria prokaryotic or eukaryotic?
Prokaryotic
Are viruses prokaryotic or eukaryotic?
Neither, they aren’t cells at all
Are fungi prokaryotic or eukaryotic?
Eukaryotic
Are protozoa prokaryotic or eukaryotic?
Eukaryotic
Are algae prokaryotic or eukaryotic?
Prokaryotic
Are helminths prokaryotic or eukaryotic?
Eukaryotic