T HE M AIN T HEMES OF M ICROBIOLOGY
1.
The study of microbiology includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and algae.
2.
Know how microorganisms play a crucial role in the biosphere.
3.
Explain how although the majority of microorganisms are not pathogenic, infectious diseases caused by microorganisms are still a common cause of death.
4.
Describe the differences between the two types of cellular microorganisms (procaryotes and eucaryotes).
5.
Describe how all procaryotes are microorganisms, but only some eucaryotes are microorganisms.
6.
Know which kinds of cells (Eucaryotic cells or procaryotic cells) contain organelles and which do not.
7.
Describe how a eucaryotic cell has much greater complexity and compartmentalization than a procaryotic cell.
8.
Most eucaryotes have a glycocalyx composed of polysaccharides, a slime layer, or capsules which function in adherence and protection.
9.
Compare the cell walls of the fungi from procaryotic cell walls.
10.
Know that viruses are microorganisms that are noncellular.
11.
Know in detail the important microbiologists and how the advent of the microscope allowed scientists to see microorganisms and then begin to identify them as agents of disease.
12.
How is hhe scientific method used as a process in which scientists develop and test hypotheses?
13.
Understand that taxonomy involves classifying, organizing and naming living organisms.
14.
Know how to classify the various groups of microorganisms.