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BIOL 103 Chapter 1: The Main Themes of Microbiology
Course: Basic Bacteriology (BIOL 103)
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University: Old Dominion University
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BIOL 103 1/11/17 and 1/16/17
Chapter 1: The Main Themes of Microbiology
What is microbiology?
Micro =small; biology= study of life
Microbiology: study of microorganisms
Microorganisms: living organisms that cannot be seen with the
naked eye (i.e. microbes, bugs, germs)
The Scope of Microbiology
What does it include? Encompasses ALL types and aspects of
microbes
Types of microorganisms: bacteria, algae, protozoa, helminths,
fungi, archaea, viruses, prions (infectious proteins; mad cow
disease)
Microbial impact on Earth (Importance of Microbes)
1. Origins and Evolution: they are our ancestors; evolution
2. Environment: they impact the environment; they’re
ubiquitous (they’re everywhere!); they’re there in large
numbers; impact Earth’s terrain (photosynthesis and
decomposition); 70% of photosynthesis is done by
microbes (some bacteria and algae). Decomposition is
performed by fungi and bacteria.
3. Biotechnology (use of microorganisms or their products in
the commercial or industrial realm; genetic engineering:
manipulation of living organisms to create new products):
food (microbes are used to make foods like: bread, beer,
cheese, wine, yogurt, milk), mining (use of microbes to
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