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Introduction to microbiology - Coggle Diagram
Introduction to microbiology
What is
is the study of a variety of living organisms
are invisible
at a glance
such as bacteria
fungi
and many other microscopic organisms.
these organisms form the basis of all life on Earth.
these microbes produce the soil in which the plants grow.
fix atmospheric gases used by
Plants
Animals
Importance of microorganisms
Microorganisms have played a key role in the evolution of planet earth.
Microorganisms affect
animals
the environment
the food supply
the healthcare industry
There are many different areas of microbiology
environmental
veterinary
food
pharmaceutical
medical microbiology
Microorganisms are very important
for the environment
human health
economy
Few have immense beneficial effects
without which we could not exist
Others are actually harmful
and our effort to overcome their effects tests our understanding and skills
The uses of microbiology can be beneficial or harmful depending on what we demand of them.
Harmful microorganisms
Diseases and decay
are neither inherent properties of organic objects nor caused by physical damage
it is the microorganisms that cause these changes.
We are surrounded by
bacteria
viruses
fungi
Many microorganisms cause diseases in
livestock
crops
and others are known to enter the human body
cause various diseases.
Examples of familiar human diseases are:
Bacteria
pneumonia
bacterial dysentery
diphtheria
meningitis
Viruses
chicken pox
measles
mumps
colds
Protozoa
amoebic dysentery
malaria
Fungi
ringworm
athlete's foot
Useful microorganisms
As decomposers
play an important role in an ecosystem.
bacteria
fungi
Decompose dead organic matter
release inorganic molecules
Green plants take up these nutrients, which in turn are consumed by animals.
and the products of these plants and animals are again decomposed by decomposers.
Yeast is a single-celled fungus that lives naturally on the surface of fruit
It is economically important in the production of
bread
beer
yogurt
Most microorganisms are unicellular.
if they are multicellular, they lack highly differentiated tissues.
There are basically two different types of cells
prokaryote
eukaryotic
Branches of Microbiology
Bacteriology
The study of bacteria.
Mycology
The study of fungi.
Phycology
the study of photosynthetic eukaryotes
Protozoology
The study of protozoa (unicellular eukaryotes).
Virology
The study of viruses, non-cellular particles that parasitize cells.
Parasitology
The study of parasites including pathogenic protozoa, certain insects and helminth worms.
Nematology
The study of nematodes.
