Microbiology Basics

Question 1

Microbiology

Answer 1

specialized area of biology that studies tiny life forms that can only be viewed via magnification with a microscope (microscopic life forms)

Question 2

microscopic organisms are referred to as…

Answer 2

microorganisms

microbes

Question 3

6 major groups microorganisms

Answer 3

bacteria
viruses
fungi
protozoa
algae
helminths (parasitic worms)

Question 4

11 major subspecialties microbiology are:

Answer 4

bacteriology
mycology
protozoology
virology
parasitology
phycology/algology
morphology
physiology
taxonomy
microbial genetics & molecular biology
microbial ecology

Question 5

bacteriology

Answer 5

study of bacteria

Question 6

mycology

Answer 6

study of fungi

Question 7

bacteria

Answer 7

small single celled prokaryotic organisms

Question 8

fungi

Answer 8

eukaryotic organisms, include microscopic molds + yeasts and larger members like mushrooms, puffballs + truffles

Question 9

protozoology

Answer 9

study of protozoa

Question 10

protozoa

Answer 10

group mostly single-celled eukaryotes

Question 11

virology

Answer 11

study of viruses

Question 12

viruses

Answer 12

small non-cellular particles that are composed of small amount of hereditary material, surrounded by protein coat

they infest or live on or with other cells as a parasite

incapable of replication on its own

Question 13

parasitology

Answer 13

study of parasites

including pathogenic protozoa, helminth worms and certain insects

Question 14

phycology/algology

Answer 14

study simple photosynthetic eukaryotes (algae)

ranging from single-celled forms to large seaweeds

Question 15

morphology

Answer 15

study of detailed structure of microorganisms

Question 16

physiology

Answer 16

study of organisms metabolic function at cellular + molecular level

Question 17

taxonomy

Answer 17

classification, naming and identification of microorganisms

Question 18

microbial genetics & molecular biology

Answer 18

study of genetic material and biochemical reactions that make up a cell’s metabolism

Question 19

microbial ecology

Answer 19

interrelationships between microbes and the environment

study of roles of microorganisms in nutrient cycles and natural ecosystems