Mic201 Lecture

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Mic201 Lecture 1 Introduction to
Microbiology Outline
What is Microbiology? The science of
Microbiology. Microbiology as a basic and as an
applied science. Microorganisms as
cells. Characteristics of living systems. Cells
as machines and as coding devices Microoganisms
and their natural environments. The impact of
microorganisms on humans.
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Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, a
large and diverse group of microscopic organisms
that exist as single cells, cell clusters or
communities.
Microorganisms are able to carry out their life
processes of growth, energy generation, and
reproduction independently of other cells.
MICROBIOLOGY
Microorganisms
Microbial diversity and Evolution
What microorganisms do in the body, in human
society, etc.
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• Microbiology as
• A basic science
• An applied science

Microorganisms as cells
The cell as an open system
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Microorganisms are (sometimes) free-living cells.
A single microbial cell can have an independent
existence. Shown is a photomicrograph of
photosynthetic microorganism called
cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria were the first
O2-evolving organisms on Earth and were
responsible for oxygenating the atmosphere.
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Photomicrograph of rod-shaped bacterial cells as
seen through a light microscope a single cell is
about 1 µm in diameter.
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Cells as machines and coding devices
The machine and coding functions of the cell.
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Microorganisms in their natural environments.

• Populations
• Habitat
• Microbial communities
• Ecosystems

Prokaryotes constitute the major portion of
biomass on Earth.
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The impact of microorganisms on human affairs.
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