BIOL 2124 Microbiology Exam #1 Review Notes

General Information

• Exam covers Chapters 1, 2, and 3.
• Submissions must be in Word format on Canvas.

Chapter 1: Microorganisms and Their Discovery

Organism Categories and Characteristics:

• Bacteria:
  • Prokaryotic, no membrane-bound organelles.
  • Cell walls made of peptidoglycan.
  • DNA in the form of a nucleoid.
• Archaea:
  • Prokaryotic with cell walls lacking peptidoglycan.
  • Live in extreme environments (e.g., methanogens, extreme halophiles, thermophiles).
• Fungi:
  • Eukaryotic cells with a nucleus.
  • Unicellular or multicellular.
  • No photosynthesis, rely on organic material.
  • Cell walls contain chitin.
• Protozoa:
  • Unicellular eukaryotes, complex organisms.
  • Classified by locomotion method.
  • Surrounded by flexible membranes.
• Algae:
  • Eukaryotic, cell walls made of cellulose.
  • Photosynthetic.
• Viruses:
  • Acellular, contain DNA or RNA.
  • Parasitic, require host cells to multiply.
• Multicellular Animal Parasites:
  • Complex systems, microscopic eggs require examination.

Importance in Microbiology:

• Multicellular animal parasites' eggs are microscopic, needing examination for identification.

Key Contributions in Microbiology:

• Robert Hooke (1665): Coined the term "cell."
• Anton van Leeuwenhoek: Detailed drawings of microorganisms.
• Francesco Redi: Demonstrated life comes from life.
• John Needham: Spontaneous generation theory.
• Lazzaro Spallanzani: Contributions to bodily function studies.
• Rudolph Virchow: Challenged spontaneous generation.
• Louis Pasteur: Proved microorganisms are airborne.
• Alexander Fleming: Contributions not specified.
• Paul Ehrlich: Developed synthetic drug for syphilis.
• Edward Jenner: Developed smallpox vaccine.
• Robert Koch: Discovered bacillus anthracis in anthrax.
• Joseph Lister: Introduced phenol to reduce surgery infections.
• Agostino Bassi: Proved microorganisms cause disease.

Definitions:

• Fermentation: Microbial conversion of sugars to alcohol/acids without oxygen.
• Pasteurization: Process of heating to kill harmful microorganisms.
• Vaccination: Stimulates immune response to fight diseases.
• Chemotherapy: Use of chemicals to treat diseases.
• Bacteriology: Study of bacteria.
• Immunology: Study of the immune system.
• Virology: Study of viruses.
• Pathogen: Microorganism causing disease.

Chapter 2: Chemistry Fundamentals

Atomic Structure:

• Atoms consist of:
  • Electrons (negative charge)
  • Protons (positive charge)
  • Neutrons (no charge)

Key Topics:

• Recognizing first 25 elements by symbols.
• Characteristics of ionic vs. covalent bonds.
• Calculating molar mass from molecular weight.
• Endergonic vs. exergonic reactions.
• Types of reactions: synthesis, decomposition, exchange.
• Significance of reversible reactions.
• Examples of necessary inorganic compounds.
• Characteristics of acids, bases, and salts.
• Using pH scale to compare acids and bases.

Biological Molecules:

• Carbohydrates
• Lipids
• Proteins
• Nucleic Acids
• Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

Chapter 3: Microscopy

Microscopy Calculations:

• Total magnification based on microscope components.

Components of a Light Microscope:

• Functions and identification.

Electron Microscopy:

• Differences between Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy.

Staining Methods:

• Advantages of differential staining.

Unit Conversions:

• Relating millimeters, micrometers, and nanometers.