Microbiology Flashcards
What is the study of microbiology?
Microbiology is the understanding of the invisible worlds that cannot be seen with the naked eye
What are microorganisms?
An organism of microscopic size, which may exist in its single-celled form or as a colony of cells
Why are microorganisms important?
They are used in the food industry, to produce antibiotics
They are exploited to increase understanding of cells and biochemistry and in genetic engineering and molecular biotechnology
Who are the founders of microbiology and what are they remembered for?
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek- Father of microbiology, made the first ever microscope
Louis Pasteur- developed the germ theory of disease
Robert Koch-Discovered microbes responsible for tuberculosis, cholera and anthrax
Ignaz Phillip Semmelweis- discovered washing hands prevents puerperal fever
What is morphological diversity?
The measure of the physical characteristics of organisms within a species used to identify changes in biological diversity in a given area. Morphological diversity can help classify species and compare them to determine their ancestry.
How is diversity assessed?
In terms of trophy (relating to nutrition) i.e the energy and carbon sources they use for growth
Diversity can be assessed according to ecological requirements, i.e the water activity of a microorganism
How are bacteria classified?
Description
Type of bacteria
Morphology
Nutrient type
Durable state
Diseases that they cause
Ecological requirements
Genetic differences
