Microbiology Lecture (MCB 2010) Schedule and Key Topics – Fall 2025

Course Overview

This syllabus outlines the schedule and major topics for the Microbiology Lecture (MCB 2010) for Fall 2025, based on Microbiology: An Introduction (13th edition) by Tortora, Funke, and Case. The course covers foundational and advanced concepts in microbiology, including microbial metabolism, growth, immunity, and diseases affecting various organ systems.

Course Structure and Requirements

• Lecture and Lab: Weekly lectures and laboratory sessions.

• Assignments: Chapter quizzes, online discussions, and think-pair-share activities.

• Exams: Four proctored tests held in person at MDC Homestead Campus.

• Participation: Credit for discussions and presentations.

Major Topics and Subtopics

Introduction and Orientation

The course begins with an introduction to microbiology, orientation to the syllabus, and guest speakers covering career and advisement services.

• Definition of Microbiology: The study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and helminths.

• Applications: Medicine, biotechnology, environmental science.

Functional Anatomy of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

This topic explores the structure and function of microbial cells, distinguishing between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

• Prokaryotic Cells: Lack a nucleus; include bacteria and archaea.

• Eukaryotic Cells: Possess a nucleus and organelles; include fungi, protozoa, algae, and helminths.

• Cellular Structures: Cell wall, plasma membrane, ribosomes, flagella, pili.

• Example: Escherichia coli (prokaryote) vs. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (eukaryote).

Microbial Metabolism

Microbial metabolism covers the chemical reactions that occur within microorganisms, including energy production and biosynthesis.

• Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules to release energy.

• Anabolism: Synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones.

• Key Pathways: Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain.

• Equation: $C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{energy}$ (Aerobic respiration)

Microbial Growth

This section examines how microorganisms reproduce and grow, including factors affecting growth rates.

• Binary Fission: Primary method of bacterial reproduction.

• Growth Curve: Lag, log, stationary, and death phases.

• Environmental Factors: Temperature, pH, oxygen availability.

• Equation: $N_t = N_0 \times 2^n$ (where $N_t$ is the final cell number, $N_0$ is the initial cell number, and $n$ is the number of generations)

Microbial Genetics and DNA Technology

Microbial genetics focuses on the inheritance and variation of genetic material in microorganisms, while DNA technology explores genetic engineering applications.

• Gene Expression: Transcription and translation processes.

• Mutation: Changes in DNA sequence.

• Recombinant DNA: Techniques for manipulating genes.

• Example: Production of insulin using genetically modified Escherichia coli.

Antimicrobial Resistance

This topic addresses the mechanisms by which microorganisms develop resistance to antimicrobial agents.

• Mechanisms: Enzymatic degradation, target modification, efflux pumps.

• Clinical Impact: Emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

• Prevention: Judicious use of antibiotics, infection control measures.

Immunity: Nonspecific and Specific Defenses

The immune system protects the host from microbial invasion through innate (nonspecific) and adaptive (specific) mechanisms.

• Innate Immunity: Physical barriers, phagocytes, inflammation.

• Adaptive Immunity: Antibody production, T-cell responses.

• Vaccines: Stimulate adaptive immunity to prevent disease.

Microbial Diseases of Organ Systems

Several weeks are dedicated to the study of microbial diseases affecting different organ systems.

• Respiratory System: Tuberculosis, influenza, COVID-19.

• Digestive System: Cholera, salmonellosis.

• Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems: Endocarditis, sepsis.

• Nervous System: Meningitis, rabies.

• Urinary and Reproductive Systems: Urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections.

• Skin and Eyes: Staphylococcal infections, conjunctivitis.

Eukaryotic Microorganisms: Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and Helminths

This section covers the diversity, structure, and pathogenicity of eukaryotic microbes.

• Fungi: Yeasts, molds, and their role in disease and biotechnology.

• Algae: Photosynthetic organisms, some produce toxins.

• Protozoa: Unicellular parasites (e.g., Plasmodium causes malaria).

• Helminths: Parasitic worms (e.g., tapeworms, roundworms).

Viruses, Viroids, and Prions

Viruses, viroids, and prions are acellular infectious agents with unique replication strategies and disease associations.

• Viruses: Require host cells for replication; cause diseases such as influenza and HIV/AIDS.

• Viroids: Infectious RNA molecules affecting plants.

• Prions: Infectious proteins causing neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease).

Sample Table: Microbial Diseases by Organ System

Organ System	Example Disease	Main Causative Agent
Respiratory	Tuberculosis	Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Digestive	Cholera	Vibrio cholerae
Cardiovascular	Endocarditis	Staphylococcus aureus
Nervous	Meningitis	Neisseria meningitidis
Urinary/Reproductive	Urinary Tract Infection	Escherichia coli
Skin/Eyes	Conjunctivitis	Haemophilus influenzae

Assessment and Deadlines

• Quizzes: Weekly chapter quizzes due on Canvas by 11:59pm Sunday.

• Discussions: Online discussions and think-pair-share activities to reinforce learning.

• Proctored Tests: Four in-person exams scheduled throughout the semester.

• Presentations: Group presentations on selected topics.

Additional info:

• Some details inferred from standard microbiology curricula and textbook chapter organization.

• Specific chapter numbers and deadlines are based on the provided schedule.