Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)

Master the principles of microscopy with these comprehensive notes! Covering all major types—including light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cryo-electron microscopy, and more—this guide explains how each technique works and their applications in microbiology. Perfect for students who want to understand microscopy techniques in detail and excel in their studies!

Explore the origins and development of microbiology with these structured, easy-to-follow notes! Covering microbial classification, key historical discoveries, spontaneous generation, Koch’s postulates, and the foundations of immunology, this document is perfect for students looking to grasp microbiology’s evolution. Ideal for exam prep and deepening your understanding of microbiology’s history and impact!

Get a comprehensive overview of infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and prions! This document covers airborne, waterborne, zoonotic, and opportunistic diseases, detailing their symptoms, treatments, and key characteristics. Perfect for microbiology students looking to ace their exams or deepen their understanding of pathogens and disease mechanisms. Study smarter with MicroBio Masterclass!

Master the principles of chemical control with these well-structured notes! Covering everything from historical antiseptics to modern disinfectants, this document breaks down key chemical agents like phenols, alcohols, halogens, heavy metals, and more. Learn how they work, their effectiveness, and their applications in microbiology. Perfect for students looking to ace exams or reinforce their understanding of microbial control methods!

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, classified into five groups based on their side chains. They play crucial roles in biological functions such as catalysis, transport, structure, and motion. All organisms share a common set of 20 amino acids, which are chiral except for glycine.

Chromosomes are condensed DNA structures that package genes, with eukaryotic genomes containing multiple linear chromosomes and introns. The central dogma of molecular biology describes DNA replication, transcription, and translation processes. Supercoiling and topoisomerases regulate DNA structure and function, affecting gene expression and cellular processes. Epigenetic modifications influence gene activity without altering DNA sequences.

Gene regulation in bacteria involves operons like the lac operon, which is controlled by glucose and lactose levels. In eukaryotes, transcription is more complex, involving chromatin remodeling, transcription factors, and regulatory proteins that enhance or inhibit gene expression. Translational control is also significant, with mechanisms like RNA interference and the role of small RNAs in regulating mRNA translation.

Protein synthesis involves five stages: activation of amino acids, initiation, elongation, termination, and post-translational processing. The genetic code is universal, consisting of triplet codons that specify amino acids, with redundancy allowing for mutation resistance. Signal sequences direct proteins to their cellular destinations, and degradation mechanisms recycle amino acids and regulate protein levels.

RNA metabolism involves various types of RNA including mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA, with transcription being the process where RNA is synthesized from DNA. Key stages include initiation, elongation, and termination, regulated by promoter sequences and transcription factors, with distinct mechanisms in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Inhibitors like Actinomycin D and Rifampicin can selectively block RNA polymerase activity.

DNA metabolism encompasses replication, repair, and recombination processes. Key aspects include semiconservative replication, the role of various DNA polymerases, and multiple repair mechanisms to maintain genetic integrity, ensuring accurate DNA synthesis and repair in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.