MicroPara

• Microbiology is the study of small, living microorganisms or microbes that cannot be seen with the naked eye
• Microorganisms are everywhere
• Microbiology is essential in biotechnology
• Microbiology is important for disease management and control
• Microbiology plays a role in defense against Biological Warfare
• Antimicrobial agents are studied in microbiology
• Microorganisms can act as saprophytes
• Evolution of Microbiology:
• 3.5 Billion Years Ago - Primitive microorganisms are found in rock formations
• 3180 BC - "Plague" outbreak in Egypt
• 1122 BC - Smallpox from China spreads worldwide
• Mid-1600s: Microscope is invented, Robert Hooke discovers the cell, and Cell Theory is established (Living organisms are made up of cells)
• 1670s: Anton van Leeuwenhoek invents a Single-lens microscope and introduces the term "animalcules" for microorganisms
• Mid and Late 1800s: Louis Pasteur's experiments support the Germ Theory of Disease
• 1900: Invention of the electron microscope, study of viruses, Robert Koch proves microorganisms cause certain diseases and introduces Koch's Postulates
• 1800s and First Decade of 1900s: Edward Jenner discovers smallpox vaccine, Joseph Lister introduces aseptic surgery
• After World War I: Antibiotics emerged, Paul Ehrlich develops Salvarsan for syphilis, Alexander Fleming discovers antibiotic penicillin from Penicillium notatum
• 1940s and 1950s: Improved prevention and control of fatal infectious diseases
• 20th Century: Advancements in the study of bacteria, no significant technological advances until 1900
• Cells are the basic structural and functional units of living organisms
• Cells are the smallest entities capable of carrying out the processes of life
• Eukaryotic cells have basic characteristics:
• Presence of Nucleus: Genetic material enclosed in a membrane-bound nucleus
• Complex Structure: Generally more complex with specialized internal structures
• Larger Size: Eukaryotic cells are typically larger than prokaryotic cells
• Examples of Eukaryotic Cells:
• Animal Cells: Make up tissues and organs of animals, such as muscle cells, nerve cells, and skin cells
• Plant Cells: Found in leaves, stems, and roots, possess unique structures like chloroplasts and a rigid cell wall
• Eukaryotic Cells in Humans: Include skin cells, muscle cells, nerve cells, and various other cell types
• Fungi: Yeasts, molds, and mushrooms have eukaryotic cells
• Cell Components:
• Cell Membrane: Regulates what enters and exits the cell
• Cytoplasm: Gel-like substance where cellular activities occur
• Nucleus: Membrane-bound structure housing genetic material
• Membrane-Bound Organelles:
• Endoplasmic Reticulum: Synthesis, folding, modification, and transport of proteins and lipids
• Golgi Apparatus: Modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for transportation to various cellular destinations
• Mitochondria: Known as the "powerhouse of the cell" due to their central role in generating energy through cellular respiration
• Chloroplasts: Conduct photosynthesis
• Organelles: