Introduction to microbiology and micology

Introduction to microbiology, bacteria and viruses

 What are fungi?
 They are eukaryotic and heterotrophic ( they rely on other organisms for food
 Fungal structure;
 Fungi grow as mycelia which is made up of small tubes of hyphae
 Fungal cell walls are made of chitin
 Fungi store their carbohydrates as glycogen
 Fungi in the environment;
 Play and essential role in nutrient recycling mainly as saprophytes, but also as
symbionts and parasites
 Lichens;
 Can be primary produces in harsh environments
 Fungi in biotechnology;
Can be extremely important for the industrial process;
 Beer/wine/whisky
 Food/quorn/soy/ truffles
Products made from fungi can be used as a replacement for polystyrene foam, leather and building
material.
 Aspergillus tubigensis breaks down;
 Plastic
 Biocontrol
 Chemicals, citric acid
 Enzymes
Forensic mycology

 Fungi within the medico-legal context;
 Fungi as causes of death from infection or ingestion
 Mycotoxins and biowarfare and bioterrorism
 Palynology and sick-building syndrome
 Taphonomy-grave markers and time of death indicators

Bacteria
 What are microorganisms?
Small, living organisms that can’t be seen without the aid of a microscope

 Classification of living things

Cell structure Group of organisms Examples
Eukaryotic Animals Protozoa
Plants Microscopic algae
Fungi Microscopic forms
Prokaryotic Eubacterua Common pathogens and food
spoilage organism
Archaea Primitive bacteria, mainly from
extremes
Acellular Viruses Obligate intercellular parasites
of other cellular organism

Introduction to bacteria