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
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.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Biology 103: Microbiology course
- The Disease Process
- Biology of Bacteria
- 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
- Introduction to Viruses
- DNA Viruses
- RNA Viruses
- Diseases Caused By Protozoa
- Fungal Infections
- Principles of Immunology
- Antimicrobial Drugs
- Studying for Biology 103