Ch 1: Microbiology Basics

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

In this lesson, we will look at one of the most influential experiments in the field of microbiology. We will learn how Louis Pasteur disproved the theory of spontaneous generation which helped lead to the development of the germ theory of disease.

2. Antibiotics and Vaccines

Do you know why children must get regularly vaccinated? Have you ever wondered how an antibiotic works and why they are so widely prescribed? If so, this lesson will help you to understand how changes in medicine have almost eliminated several deadly diseases and added decades to the average person's lifespan.

3. Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells: Similarities and Differences

In this lesson, we discuss the similarities and differences between the eukaryotic cells of your body and prokaryotic cells such as bacteria. Eukaryotes organize different functions within specialized membrane-bound compartments called organelles. These structures do not exist in prokaryotes.

4. Archaea: Definition, Characteristics & Examples

There is an entire domain of life that is made up of single-celled organisms without nuclei. We're not referring to the Bacteria domain, however. In this lesson, we will examine the main characteristics of the least commonly known domain, the Archaea.

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

This lesson will introduce the Bacteria, a large and diverse group of microorganisms. We will examine several key characteristics, as well as a few commonly known examples of bacterial species.

6. Cyanobacteria: Definition, Characteristics & Species

Cyanobacteria are a phylum of Bacteria that produce oxygen during photosynthesis. This lesson will examine cyanobacteria and the role they played in establishing our oxygen-rich atmosphere.

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

Taxonomy is the realm of science that attempts to group similar organisms together, which is not always an easy task. In this lesson, we will examine the protozoa, a diverse group of organisms that didn't really fit anywhere else.

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

Plants are not the only organisms capable of carrying out photosynthesis. In this lesson we will look at algae and how an algal species can be differentiated from other organisms and microbes.

9. What are Fungi? - Types and Characteristics

In this lesson, we will examine the group of organisms known as the fungi. This group includes the familiar organisms mushrooms, yeasts and molds. We will look at several major characteristics of fungi, as well as a few disease-causing fungi.