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Contents - Lessons & Practice

Science

Microbiology

OpenStax book

OpenStax

Microbiology

26 lessons

One lesson for each chapter of Microbiology, in the book’s order. The lesson teaches what that chapter says you need to know, then checks it.

  1. 1An Invisible WorldMicroorganisms (or microbes ) are living organisms that are generally too small to be seen without a microscope
  2. 2How We See the Invisible WorldA lens is a medium with a curved surface that refracts and focuses light to produce an image
  3. 3The CellThe theory of spontaneous generation states that life arose from nonliving matter.
  4. 4Prokaryotic DiversityThe totality of forms of prokaryotes (particularly bacteria) living on the human body is called the human microbiome, which varies between regions of the body and individuals, and changes over time
  5. 5The Eukaryotes of MicrobiologyHelminth parasites are included within the study of microbiology because they are often identified by looking for microscopic eggs and larvae
  6. 6Acellular PathogensViruses are generally ultramicroscopic, typically from 20 nm to 900 nm in length.
  7. 7Microbial BiochemistryThe most abundant elements in cells are hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur
  8. 8Microbial MetabolismMetabolism includes chemical reactions that break down complex molecules ( catabolism ) and those that build complex molecules ( anabolism )
  9. 9Microbial GrowthMost bacterial cells divide by binary fission .
  10. 10Biochemistry of the GenomeDNA was discovered and characterized long before its role in heredity was understood.
  11. 11Mechanisms of Microbial GeneticsThe genotype of a cell is the full collection of genes a cell contains.
  12. 12Modern Applications of Microbial GeneticsBiotechology is the science of utilizing living systems to benefit humankind.
  13. 13Control of Microbial GrowthInanimate items that may harbor microbes and aid in their transmission are called fomites .
  14. 14Antimicrobial DrugsThe use of narrow-spectrum antimicrobial drugs is preferred in many cases to avoid superinfection and the development of antimicrobial resistance
  15. 15Microbial Mechanisms of PathogenicityAn acute disease is short in duration, whereas a chronic disease lasts for months or years.
  16. 16Disease and EpidemiologyIncidence is the number of new cases (morbidity or mortality), usually expressed as a proportion, during a specified time period; prevalence is the total number affected in the population, again usually expressed as a…
  17. 17Innate Nonspecific Host DefensesNonspecific innate immunity provides a first line of defense against infection by nonspecifically blocking entry of microbes and targeting them for destruction or removal from the body
  18. 18Adaptive Specific Host DefensesThe five classes of antibody are IgM , IgG , IgA , IgE , and IgD , each differing in size, arrangement, location within the body, and function.
  19. 19Diseases of the Immune SystemAn allergy is an adaptive immune response, sometimes life-threatening, to an allergen
  20. 20Laboratory Analysis of the Immune ResponseAntibodies bind with high specificity to antigens used to challenge the immune system, but they may also show cross-reactivity by binding to other antigens that share chemical properties with the original antigen
  21. 21Skin and Eye InfectionsHuman skin consists of two main layers, the epidermis and dermis , which are situated on top of the hypodermis , a layer of connective tissue
  22. 22Respiratory System InfectionsAir enters the upper respiratory tract through the nasal cavity and mouth, which both lead to the pharynx .
  23. 23Urogenital System InfectionsThe urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters , urinary bladder , and urethra ; the bladder and urethra are the most common sites of infection
  24. 24Digestive System InfectionsThe digestive tract, consisting of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, has a normal microbiota that is important for health
  25. 25Circulatory and Lymphatic System InfectionsThe circulatory system moves blood throughout the body and has no normal microbiota
  26. 26Nervous System InfectionsTissues of the PNS and CNS are formed of cells called glial cells and neurons