Microbial World Cheat Sheet

Microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, exhibit diverse structures and life cycles, with specific growth requirements and vulnerabilities that are exploited for control and treatment.

Core Principles

Eukaryotic cells (fungi, protozoa) possess a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, unlike prokaryotic cells (bacteria, archaea) which lack these.
Microbial growth follows distinct phases: lag, logarithmic (exponential), stationary, and death, influenced by environmental factors like temperature, pH, and nutrient availability.
Control of microbial growth relies on sterilization, disinfection, and antiseptics, utilizing physical methods (heat, filtration, irradiation) and chemical agents.
Antifungals target ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, while antiprotozoal drugs like quinine interfere with parasite metabolism.

Key Terms

Prokaryote: A single-celled organism lacking a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryote: An organism whose cells contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Binary Fission: Asexual reproduction in bacteria where one cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT): The transfer of genetic material between organisms other than by vertical transmission (from parent to offspring).
Bacterial Growth Curve: A graphical representation of the changes in microbial population size over time, showing lag, log, stationary, and death phases.
Sterilization: The complete removal or destruction of all microorganisms and viruses.
Disinfection: The chemical sterilization of inanimate objects to reduce contamination.
Antiseptics: Chemicals that are non-toxic and used to disinfect skin and body tissue.
Ergosterol: A component of fungal cell membranes, serving as a target for antifungal drugs.
Trophozoite: The actively feeding and multiplying stage of a protozoan parasite.
Cyst: A protective, dormant stage of a protozoan parasite, surrounded by a thickened wall.