UNIT 1: STRUCTURE AND CLASSIFICATION
Our lives are shaped in many important but often unseen ways by microorganisms. To avoid or control
harmful ones and take advantage of the beneficial ones, we depend on careful observation and accurate
identification. In this section of the course, we first become acquainted with a variety of microscopic
organisms, primarily bacteria.
Objectives – statements of abilities to be achieved by the student – are presented below, along with major
text references appropriate to each topic. This sequence corresponds to the learning activities and laboratory
instructions provided in your study guide, MicroScope.
OVERVIEW…Get acquainted with microbiology and preview major concepts. Chapter 1 (pages 1 – 6
are the most useful right now.)
BASIC BIOLOGY…General principles for successful study of microorganisms. Ch.3, pp. 54-66
1. Distinguish structurally and functionally among single-celled organisms, colonies and multicellular
organisms. Give examples of each.
2. Compare, with advantages and disadvantages, sexual and asexual reproduction.
3. Demonstrate effective use of the microscope. (Prior experience presumed.)
4. Estimate with reasonable accuracy the dimensions of organisms under the microscope.
5. Differentiate the light microscope and electron microscope in their functions and images.
BIOLOGICAL ORGANIZATION… The classification of
life’s great diversity.
Ch. 1, pp. 1-6
Ch. 10, pp. 273 – 280
Ch. 12 (skim for reference, as assigned.)
6. Explain why the traditional two-kingdom classification system is inadequate for microbes.
7. Distinguish groups of microorganisms by size, structure, specialization, feeding, reproduction and
movement. Identify these groups by the appropriate name and provide examples of organisms in
these groups.
8. Given a set or organisms, devise a key for their identification.
9. Given an unknown organism, use a key to identify it.
BACTERIA….They’re tiny and they’re everywhere!
Ch. 3, pp. 68-72.
Ch. 4, Ch. 11 (skim for reference, as assigned)
10. Recognize bacterial shapes and groupings.
11. Identify bacterial cell structures and their functions.
12. Explain the various means for classifying bacteria.
13. Distinguish the staining methods and explain what is accomplished by each.
14. Design and complete an investigation of bacterial distribution.
(Tortora 11th ed.)
UNIT 2: PHYSIOLOGY
Visual examination of bacteria is rarely adequate for identification. We also depend extensively on such
physiological characteristics as food needs and environmental preferences to distinguish one species from
another. It is in understanding bacterial physiology that we make best use of them, are most successful in
controlling them and can best understand some of the environmental problems facing us today.
Objectives and text references are provided here. MicroScope provides additional instructions for
accomplishing these objectives.
POPULATIONS …… Huge crowds gather quickly
Ch. 6, pp 168-177
1. Compare and demonstrate the use of the techniques used to measure microbial growth and
population size.
2. Sketch and explain the features of the “bell-shaped” curve that represents population growth over
time.
ECOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIPS.....Big environmental influences.
Ch. 6, pp. 154-160
Ch. 27, pp. 773 – 778, pp. 782 - 794
3. Compare environmental factors influencing growth of bacteria and fungi.
4. Differentiate symbiotic relationships and provide examples of organisms using each: parasitism,
mututalism, and communalism.
5. Explain the natural cycles and the roles of microorganisms in them.
6. Describe the effects of pollutants on aquatic ecosystems and the roles of microorganisms in these
effects.
7. Explain how microbes are used in the treatment of wastewater.
METABOLIC PROCESSES….. These tiny cells are amazing! … Ch. 2 (reference as assigned)
Ch. 5 (reference as assigned)
8. Explain how enzymes influence chemical reactions.
9. Compare the digestion of food molecules by identifying the end products of each.
10. Compare photosynthesis to respiration by identifying reactants, products, and energy involvement.
11. Differentiate the energy-production methods by identifying molecules and energy output
involvement.
FOOD PRODUCTS…..Microbes in your diet (good ones, of course). Ch. 28 pp. 805- 815
Ch. 1, p. 3 (Application)
12. Explain common commercial uses of microbes, identifying types of organisms used and
their metabolic end products.
Tortora 11th Ed.
Unit 3: REPRODUCTION
Of the breakthroughs of modern biology, few can match the importance of our understanding of
the controls center of the cell – DNA molecule. With this knowledge, we have launched the new
field of biotechnology, the management of organisms and their reproduction on a cellular level. The
organisms we “tinkered with” originally were bacteria and viruses; now the scope of investigation
is almost unlimited.
Separating this topic from the larger theme of microbial physiology allows us to focus on the
many contemporary findings and issues related to the field. In addition, we will now expand the
scope of our study of microbes to include viruses.
Objectives and text references are provided here. MicroScope provides additional instructions for
accomplishing these objectives.
VIRUSES ….. Not cells, but more than mere molecules …………………….…..Ch. 13
1. Distinguish viruses from cells.
2. Describe the structure and components of viruses.
3. Explain various bases for classification of viruses.
4. Describe the replication cycle of a virus, comparing lytic and temperate forms.
5. Distinguish a virus from a prion.
THE GENETIC CODE ….. Translating genes into traits ………. Ch. 8, pp 210 – 230
6. Explain how the structure of the DNA molecule determines its information-carrying ability.
7. Explain how DNA replicates itself and why this process is essential to reproduction.
8. Explain the process of protein synthesis.
9. Explain how mutations occur, and their effect on the DNA molecule.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ….. Moving genes around ………………Ch. 8, pp. 231 – 239
Ch. 9 (reference, as assigned)
10. Differentiate conjugation, transduction, and transformation as means of recombination of
genetic material.
11. Describe methods of manipulation of microbial genes.
12. Evaluate potential benefits and problems involved with the manipulation of DNA in
microbes.
(Tortora 11th ed.)
Unit 4: DEFENSES AGAINST DISEASE
Only relatively recently in the history of biology and medicine has a cause-and-effect relationship
between microbes and disease been established. Today we are still trying to better understand this
relationship, particularly in the context of our body’s defense system. Fortunately, the body’s own
defenses are supplemented by a great array of antimicrobial agents and biotechnology.
Objectives and text references are provided her. MicroScope provides additional instructions for
accomplishing these objectives.
CONCEPTS OF DISEASE … How do we know what we know today?
Ch. 1, pp. 6 – 12
Ch. 14 pp. 406 - 407
1. Explain, with examples, how scientific problem-solving brought about our modern
understanding of microbes.
2. Identify major contributions to our modern understanding of disease and its control.
CONTROL OF MICROBES …We can’t eliminate them, but we should try.
Ch. 7.
Ch. 20 pp. 558 – 564, pp. 579 – 582
(Knowing the actions of specific drugs is not necessary.)
3. Explain the effects that microbial control methods and agents have on cells.
4. Explain the phenomenon of drug resistance in microbial populations.
THE BODY’S DEFENSES … Fortunately, we are not ill too often.
Ch. 16, 17, 18
Ch. 19 (reference, as assigned)
5. Explain defenses of the body against foreign invasion, and why they are effective.
6. Explain the body’s responses to entry of foreign material, and why they are effective.
7. Compare they way in which immunity is acquired, and provide examples of each.
8. Explain the causes and effects of immune disorders.
9. Explain new methods of augmenting the body’s defenses.
Totorta 11th ed.
Unit 5: DISEASES
Despite their many helpful and commercially-valuable attributes, microbes can be deadly, of
course. In dealing with specific disease conditions, the term "microbe" will be used in its broadest
sense, including not only bacteria and viruses, but also fungi, worms, and protozoans.
Objectives and text references are provided here. MicroScope provides additional
instructions for accomplishing these objectives.
PRINCIPLES OF DISEASE... Knowing how the enemy works. Ch. 14
Ch. 15 (reference as assigned)
1. Compare the various means of disease transmission and provide examples of each.
2. Distinguish pathogenic and opportunistic organisms.
3. Distinguish primary and secondary infections.
4. Distinguish exotoxins from endotoxins.
5. Explain how disruption of "normal flora" can lead to disease states.
6. Provide examples of these general concepts of disease:



Some organisms may be harmless under certain conditions and harmful under other
conditions.
Some organisms remain in the body following the initial disease state, showing up
later as another disease condition.
Many diseases involve interactions of the life cycles and life processes of parasite,
reservoir, vector, and host.
DISEASE STATES Diseases will be considered according to the body system affected. It will be
important that the student know basic normal anatomy and physiology in order to understand the
effects of the disease.
7. For each disease considered in the study guide, identify:
 the causative organism (the genus name is usually sufficient
 the mode of transmission of the organism, if any
 the effect of that organism’s life processes on the normal anatomy and physiology of
the host, i.e. how it disrupts the cells, tissues, or organs in which it resides.
Skin and eyes…………………………..Ch. 21
Nervous……..………………………… Ch. 22
Circulatory/Lymphatic…………………Ch. 23
Respiratory……………………………..Ch. 24
Digestive………………………………..Ch. 25
Urogenital/Reproductive………………..Ch. 26
(Tortora, 11th ed.)