Summary MYB161 Theme 1 part 1 (introduction)

Theme 1 (part 1)
The World of Microbes
Microbiology - A study of organisms, very small to be seen by the naked eye.

Microbiologist - A scientist who studies living organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa and
viruses (only seen by a microscope).


Areas of specialization in microbiology:
Bacteriology - study of bacteria
Mycology - study of fungi
Virology - study of viruses
Parasitology - study of protozoa/ parasitic worms
Immunology - study of immunity (also look at vaccines)


Microbes around us:
 Can cause diseases (pathogenic)
 Spoil food
 Maintain Earth’s ecological balance
 Produce industrial chemicals
 Decompose organic material


Applied microbiology:
Biotechnology
 Use of microbes for practical application, such as producing food and chemicals

Recombinant DNA technology
 Enables bacteria and fungi to produce a variety of proteins, vaccines and enzymes.

Microbial genetics
 Study of how microbes inherit their trait.

Genomics
 The study of an organism's genes; has provided new tools for classifying
microorganisms.

Recombinant DNA
 missing or defective genes in human cells can be replaced in gene therapy.(*a technique to
modify a person's genes to treat or cure diseases)
 Genetically modified bacteria are used to protect crops from insects and freezing.