Ch 1: Microbiology Basics
About This Chapter
Microbiology Basics - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
This chapter on the basics of microbiology covers some general topics, like germ theory, antibiotics and vaccines. It also covers general microbes, like Archaea, Eubacteria and Cyanobacteria. You will watch lessons that will explain various discoveries in this field, like Edward Jenner's discovery of the first vaccine and Louis Pasteur's work. Our lessons will cover topics in-depth, providing you with the chance to really understand the defining characteristics of different types of microbes. In addition, you can expect to learn about things that include:
- The types of vaccines
- The theory of spontaneous generation
- Differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
- Types of Archaebacteria
- Characteristics of protozoa
- Examples of algae and fungi
| Video | Objective |
|---|---|
| The Germ Theory of Disease: Definition & Louis Pasteur | Explore the germ theory and the theory of spontaneous generation, including how Pasteur disproved it. |
| Antibiotics and Vaccines | Examine Edward Jenner's development of the first vaccine, types of vaccines, basics of sanitation and the discovery and basics of antibiotics. |
| Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells: Similarities and Differences | Take a look at the similarities and differences in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. |
| Archaea: Definition, Characteristics & Examples | Study the characteristics of Archaebacteria. |
| What is Eubacteria? - Definition, Characteristics & Examples | Learn to distinguish Eubacteria from other types of microbes. |
| Cyanobacteria: Definition, Characteristics & Examples | Find out more about Cyanobacteria. |
| What are Protozoa? - Definition, Characteristics & Examples | Discover the characteristics of protozoa. |
| What is Algae? - Definition, Characteristics & Examples | Learn to distinguish algae from other types of microbes. |
| What are Fungi? - Types and Characteristics | Examine the characteristics and types of fungi. |
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.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Biology 103: Microbiology course
- Biology of Bacteria
- The Disease Process
- Introduction to Viruses
- DNA Viruses
- RNA Viruses
- Diseases Caused By Protozoa
- Fungal Infections
- Foodborne Diseases and Bacterial Infections of the Gastrointestinal Tract
- Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Diseases
- Blood-borne Bacterial Diseases
- Bacterial Diseases of the Respiratory Tract
- Bacterial Wound and Skin Infections
- Principles of Immunology
- Antimicrobial Drugs
- Studying for Biology 103
