Scope of Microbiology
Chapter 1
Textbook: Foundations in Microbiology
K.P. Talaro & A. Talaro
Microbiology
• Definition- Greek- mikros- small; bios-life
– the branch of biology that studies
microorganisms and their effects on humans.
– The study of organisms that are usually too
small to be seen with the naked eye- requires
a microscope
– Includes bacteria, algae, protozoan, fungi,
parasitic worms, viruses
• Microorgansisms- aka microbes
What is studied in Microbiology
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Cell structures
Cell function
Genetics
Immunology
Biochemistry
Epidemiology
Ecology
Microbes
• Oldest organisms- over 4 billion years old
• Greatest diversity-habitats
• Classification- evolutionary relationships
– DNA analysis; taxa- general categories,
Genus,species.
• Essential to ecosystem:
– Photosynthetic, decomposers, recyclers
Areas of Microbiology
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Industry- beer, vitamins, drugs, enzymes
Food and Dairy Microbiology
Agriculture
Medicine–
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Immunology- study of human defense system
Serology- immune reactions in blood and tissues.
Allergy- hypersensitive responses
Public Health Microbiology &Epidemiology
• Control spread of disease
• CDC –publishes MMWR- Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
and WHO
• Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering
– Recombinant DNA technology
– Hormones, vaccines
Subdivisions of MicrobiologyFields of study and employment
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Bacteriology
Mycology
Protozoology
Parasitology
Virology
Microbial Morphology
Microbial Physiology
Microbial Ecology
Molecular Biology
Impact on Energy and nutrient flow:
• Photosynthetic micoorganisms– Algae and cyannobacterium
• 50% of photosynthetic organisms on Earth
• Producers in aquatic food chains
• Produce the majority of O2 in atmosphere.
• Decomposers
– Recycle nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorous, and carbon
– Produce greenhous gases- environment and
digestive tracts
– 50% of microorganisms- under surface as extreme
organisms- capable of living in high temps and
utilizing extreme nutrients.
Symbiotic relationships
• Bacteria and fungi with plants
– Obtain nutrients and water.
– Digestion
– Constitute normal flora
Bioremediation
• Microbes are used to restore and clean up
toxins and pollutants in the environment.
Infectious Diseases
• Pathogens
• Review Table 1A- Emerging Diseases
– Key diseases
History of Microbiology
• 200 years old
• Father of Bacteriology- Antoine van
Leeuwenhoek– describes organisms with the aid of a microscope
– “animicules”
• Louis Pasteur–
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Role of microbes in beer and wine
PasteurizationDiseases arise from infections
Disproved spontaneous generation
Pioneered sterilization and asceptic technique with
Robert Koch
Robert Koch
• Koch’s postulates
– Series of proofs used to verify germ theory
– Used Bacillus anthracis
– Pinpoint causative agent of disease