Microbiology Key Terms and Concepts: Study Guide

Microbiology Key Terms and Concepts

Introduction

This study guide provides an overview of essential terms and concepts in college-level Microbiology. Understanding these terms is fundamental for mastering the subject and preparing for exams. The guide also highlights notable historical figures and their contributions to the field.

Key Terms in Microbiology

General Microbiology Terms

• Acute respiratory disease: A sudden onset illness affecting the respiratory system, often caused by viral or bacterial pathogens.

• Algae: Photosynthetic, aquatic organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular; important in ecological systems.

• Amino acid: Organic compounds that combine to form proteins; essential for cellular structure and function.

• Archaea: A domain of single-celled microorganisms distinct from bacteria, often found in extreme environments.

• ATP (adenosine triphosphate): The primary energy carrier in cells.

• Bacteria, Bacteriology: Bacteria are single-celled prokaryotes; bacteriology is the study of bacteria.

• Biochemistry: The study of chemical processes within living organisms.

• Biotechnology: The use of living organisms or their products for industrial or scientific purposes.

• Carbohydrate, polysaccharide: Carbohydrates are energy-providing organic molecules; polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates.

• Chemotherapy: The use of chemicals to treat diseases, especially infections and cancer.

• Diarrheal disease: Illnesses causing frequent, watery bowel movements, often due to infection.

• DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): The molecule that carries genetic information in cells.

• Enzyme: Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in cells.

• Epidemiology: The study of disease distribution and determinants in populations.

• Fermentation: Metabolic process converting sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen.

• Healthcare-associated infection (HAI): Infections acquired in healthcare settings.

• Helminthology: The study of parasitic worms (helminths).

• HIV/AIDS: Human Immunodeficiency Virus causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a major global health concern.

• Immunity: The ability of an organism to resist infection.

• Infection control: Practices to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Historical Figures and Contributions

• Fleming, Alexander: Discovered penicillin, the first antibiotic.

• Jenner, Edward: Developed the first successful smallpox vaccine.

• Koch's Postulates: Criteria to establish a causative relationship between a microbe and a disease.

• Koch, Robert: Pioneered techniques for isolating bacteria and established Koch's postulates.

• Lister, Joseph: Introduced antiseptic surgery, reducing infections.

• Metchnikoff, Elie: Discovered phagocytosis, a key immune response.

• Nightingale, Florence: Improved hospital sanitation and infection control.

• Pasteur, Louis: Developed pasteurization and vaccines; disproved spontaneous generation.

• Semmelweis, Ignaz: Promoted handwashing to prevent puerperal fever.

• van Leeuwenhoek, Antoni: First to observe microorganisms using a microscope.

Microbial Groups and Related Terms

• Microbe, microorganism: Microscopic living organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

• Macromolecule (monomer): Large molecules (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids) made from smaller units (monomers).

• Medical microbiology: The study of microbes that cause diseases in humans.

• Mycology: The study of fungi.

• Parasitology: The study of parasites and their interactions with hosts.

• Virology: The study of viruses.

• Protozoa: Unicellular eukaryotic organisms, often motile and found in aquatic environments.

• Helminths: Parasitic worms, including roundworms and flatworms.

Genetics and Molecular Biology

• RNA (ribonucleic acid): Molecule involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation.

• Recombinant DNA technology: Techniques for combining DNA from different organisms.

• Semiconservative DNA replication: Each new DNA molecule consists of one old and one new strand.

Other Important Concepts

• Pathogen: An organism that causes disease.

• Polymorphism: The occurrence of different forms among members of a population.

• Prokaryote: Organisms without a nucleus (e.g., bacteria, archaea).

• Eukaryote: Organisms with a nucleus (e.g., fungi, protozoa, algae).

• Prophage: Viral DNA integrated into a bacterial genome.

• Prion: Infectious proteins causing neurodegenerative diseases.

Table: Classification of Microorganisms

This table summarizes the main groups of microorganisms and their characteristics.

Group	Cell Type	Examples	Diseases Caused
Bacteria	Prokaryote	Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus	Pneumonia, food poisoning
Archaea	Prokaryote	Halobacterium	Rarely pathogenic
Fungi	Eukaryote	Candida albicans	Yeast infections
Protozoa	Eukaryote	Plasmodium spp.	Malaria
Viruses	Non-cellular	HIV, Influenza virus	AIDS, flu
Helminths	Eukaryote	Roundworms, tapeworms	Intestinal infections

Example: Koch's Postulates

• Set of criteria used to establish a causative link between a microbe and a disease.

• Steps include isolating the organism, growing it in pure culture, reproducing the disease in a healthy host, and re-isolating the organism.

Resources for Further Study

• MasteringMicrobiology: Glossary, chapter 1 pre-test & post-test

Additional info: Some terms and historical figures were expanded with academic context for clarity and completeness.