BIO 3124 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Halobacterium Salinarum, Hot Spring, Physarum Polycephalum
30 Mar 2016
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Microorganisms = single-celled microscopic organisms: includes viruses (microscopic but not cellular, survive/funcion independently of other cells. The cell: dynamic enity that forms the fundamental unit of life. Capable of growth, metabolism, reproducion, evoluion, moility, difereniaion, communicaion: cytoplasmic (cell) membrane. Barrier separaing inside from outside: cell wall. Can live in places unsuitable for other organisms. Other life forms require microbes to survive. Global esimate of 2. 5x1030 cells: most microbial cells found in oceanic and terrestrial subsurfaces. + cells key reservoirs of essenial nutrients (ex. Emphasis typically on harmful microorganisms: infecious disease agents or pathogens, improved understanding of microorganisms control of infecious disease during last century. Microorganisms and agriculture: many aspects of agriculture depend on microbial aciviies. Food spoilage by microorganisms requires specialized preservaion of many foods: posiive impacts. Food prods (ex. sauerkraut, pickles, leavened breads, beer) Microorganisms, energy, and enviro: role of microbes in biofuels producion.
