Upload
noah-mckinney
View
252
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Microbiology-scientific study of microbes and microbial processes
Microbe/microorganism- microscopic things that have characteristics of life (including viruses)
Agent-thing that produces a certain effect such as a disease
Pathogen-microbial agent of disease
Culture (cultivate)-v. to grow microbes
Isolate-to separate different lineages of microbes from each other in a growth medium
Some Basic Terms
Infectious agents can be divided into some basic categories:
Non-cellular (some would say non-living)Prions-infectious proteinsViruses-infectious particles made of DNA or RNA, protein, sometimes
lipid membrane
Cellular (living)Bacteria- single-celled organisms with circular DNA and no nucleusProtists-single celled organisms with nucleus and other membranous
organellesFungi-most are multi-celled; some are single celled (yeasts) organisms
with nucleus and mitochondriaAnimals-all are multi celled organisms with nucleus, mitochondria,
elaborate cellular structure, tissue, and organs
Extremely diverse branch of the life sciences
American Society For Microbiology: one of the largest scientific associations in the world
http://www.asm.org
The divisions of ASM exemplify the important disciplines within microbiology
http://www.asm.org/Meetings/index.asp?bid=28090
Modern Microbiology
Overview of topics
• Scientific Method and Historical Perspectives• Molecules and Cells• Diversity of Microbes• Microbial Genetics• Host-Microbe interactions and Immunity• Epidemiology• Microbiological Methods• Specific Agents of Disease
– Prokaryotes (bacteria)– Eukaryotes (protists, fungi, helminthes)– Viruses and Prions
Global Microbiology
Microbes have power to influence the planet.
The Earth’s atmosphere was dramatically changed when bacteria first appeared.
Pandemics occur when a disease outbreak is worldwide in distribution such as HIV
Applied Microbiology
Microbiology
Food and DrugsAgriculture
Conservation and Environmental policy
Public Health
Biomedical engineering
Bio-defense
Genetic Engineering and Medicine
Virus with ‘good’ gene
Gene inserted into chromosome when virus invades cells
Food Production, Food Safety and Nutrition
Microorganisms are used in the production of:
•Fermented beverages
•Cheese
•Yogurt
•Bread
Some food may contain microbes that can be harmful and cause food-borne illness
Bio-Defense
• Many pathogenic organisms are potential bio-warfare/bioterrorism agents• Rajneeshees cult used salmonella in the 1980’s• Unknown perpetrator used anthrax in 2001
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/biodefense/