1 / 7

BASIC MICROBIOLOGY

BASIC MICROBIOLOGY. Definition. Microbiology is the science that studies living organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye (microorganisms or microbes) microorganisms are commonly known as germs. Nature of Microorganisms. Pathogens: microorganisms that cause disease

tacy
Download Presentation

BASIC MICROBIOLOGY

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. BASIC MICROBIOLOGY

  2. Definition • Microbiology is the science that studies living organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye (microorganisms or microbes) • microorganisms are commonly known as germs

  3. Nature of Microorganisms • Pathogens: microorganisms that cause disease • most microorganisms are harmless • some microorganisms found in the body are beneficial to us • when a microorganism enters a part of the body other than where it is intended to be, it can be harmful • eg. E. coli from the colon (breaks down waste/makes vitamin K) can enter the urinary tract and cause an infection

  4. Factors that Influence Microbial Growth • 5 factors affect the growth of microorganisms: • temperature • pH (only a few live in acidic environments) • moisture • food • oxygen • these factors must be favorable if microorganisms are to live • different microorganisms require different conditions for survival • eg. aerobic microorganisms grow best with high levels of oxygen, while anaerobic microorganisms grow best in the absence of oxygen

  5. Methods that Destroy Microorganisms • 3 common methods destroy microorganisms: • Antiseptics (eg. alcohol and betadine) • used on the skin • slow or prevent the growth of pathogens • Disinfection (eg. bleach solution & zephirin) • not used on skin because irritation may result • Sterilization • autoclaves use steam under pressure to kill ALL microorganisms (first two methods are not effective against spores) • other methods include the use of chemicals, radiation, and gas

  6. Types of Microorganisms • 5 major types are: • Bacteria • Fungi • Protozoa (protists) • Parasites (rickettsiae) • Viruses

  7. Bacteria • most familiar of the microbes that infect humans • classified by their shape and arrangement

More Related