Chapter 1: Microbiology Flashcards
(57 cards)
What is microbiology?
The study of microorganisms, which are tiny living organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
What does ‘microscopic’ mean?
Refers to things that are so small they can only be seen with a microscope.
What are microorganisms (or microbes)?
Tiny organisms, often unicellular, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae.
What are bacteria?
Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus (prokaryotes) and can be found in various environments.
What are viruses?
Infectious agents composed of DNA or RNA enclosed in a protein coat, requiring a host cell to replicate.
What are fungi?
Eukaryotic organisms, including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms, that are decomposers in ecosystems.
What are protozoa?
Single-celled eukaryotic organisms that can be free-living or parasitic.
What are helminths?
Multicellular parasitic worms, such as roundworms, flatworms, and tapeworms.
What are prions?
Misfolded proteins that can cause other proteins to misfold, leading to diseases like mad cow disease.
What is public health?
The science and practice of protecting and improving the health of populations through policies, education, and interventions.
What is epidemiology?
The study of how diseases spread, their patterns, and how they affect populations.
What is immunology?
The study of the immune system and how the body defends itself against pathogens.
What is industrial microbiology?
The use of microorganisms in industrial processes, like fermentation to produce products such as antibiotics.
What is agricultural microbiology?
The study of microbes in agriculture, including their role in soil health and crop production.
What is environmental microbiology?
The study of microorganisms’ role in the environment, such as in water treatment or nutrient cycling.
What are archaea?
Single-celled organisms similar to bacteria but with distinct genetic and biochemical characteristics, often found in extreme environments.
What are eukaryotes?
Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and organelles, including animals, plants, fungi, and protozoa.
What are akaryotes?
Organisms that do not have a nucleus, such as bacteria.
What does ‘ubiquitous’ mean in microbiology?
Refers to microorganisms being found everywhere.
What is evolution?
The process by which species change over time through natural selection, mutation, and genetic drift.
What is the theory of evolution?
The idea that species evolve over time through natural selection, proposed by Charles Darwin.
What is photosynthesis?
The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
What is decomposition?
The breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, crucial for recycling nutrients.
What does ‘empirical’ mean?
Knowledge derived from observation or experimentation.
