Ch 1: Microbiology Basics

1. The Germ Theory of Disease: Definition & Louis Pasteur

Louis Pasteur's Germ Theory of Disease asserts that microorganisms contribute to human illness. Learn how bacteria colonize on surfaces, how Pasteur's Germ Theory of Disease actually refutes spontaneous generation, and how microbiology affects food safety.

2. Antibiotics and Vaccines

Antibiotics and vaccines have a great contribution to the increase in life expectancy over time. Learn more about the history of antibiotics and vaccines, and how different types of vaccines are developed.

3. Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells: Similarities and Differences

Eukaryotes are cells that have a nucleus and other organelles while prokaryotes are cells that do not have any organelles. Explore the many other similarities and differences between these two cell types and discover their purposes.

4. Archaea: Definition, Characteristics & Examples

Archaea are single-celled organisms distinct from Bacteria or Eukarya. Explore what makes these unique, learning about Extreme Halophiles, Thermoacidophiles, and characteristics of their metabolism which enable their survival in harsh environments.

5. What is Bacteria? - Definition, Characteristics & Examples

Despite being small, bacteria has a serious effect. Learn defining characteristics and examples of bacteria, how it grows and metabolizes, and its role in health and disease.

6. Cyanobacteria: Definition, Characteristics & Species

Cyanobacteria are oxygenic phototrophs, which means they can generate oxygen and release it while using light photons. Explore the definition, characteristics, and species of cyanobacteria, the oxygen atmosphere, and learn about the morphology, roles, common genera, and contributions to life made by cyanobacteria.

7. What are Protozoa? - Definition, Characteristics & Examples

As diverse microorganisms within a group, protozoa are organized into four different groups by their movement. Learn more about the definition of protozoa, including early problems with its classification, characteristics, and explore the four groups of protozoa through examples.

8. What is Algae? - Definition, Characteristics & Examples

Unlike plants, the eukaryotic microorganism Algae can't specialize tissue into features like flowers or roots. Discover the features of algae and its diverse types through examples from around the world.

9. What are Fungi? - Types and Characteristics

Mushrooms, molds, and yeasts are examples of fungi, a group of eukaryotic, non-phototrophic organisms with rigid cells. Learn about the age of fungi, their different types, and their characteristics.