![](/olcweb/styles/shared/spacer.gif) | ![](/sites/dl/free/0072320427/title/cover_image.JPG) Foundations in Microbiology, 4/e Kathleen Park Talaro,
Pasadena City College Arthur Talaro
The Main Themes of Microbiology
Chapter Overview- Microorganisms, also called microbes, are organisms that require a microscope to be readily observed.
- In terms of numbers and range of distribution, microbes are the dominant organisms on earth.
- Major groups of microorganisms include bacteria, algae, protozoa, fungi, parasitic worms, and viruses.
- Microbiology involves study in numerous areas involving cell structure, function, genetics, immunology, biochemistry, epidemiology, and ecology.
- Microorganisms have developed complex interactions with other organisms and the environment.
- Microorganisms are essential to the operation of the earth’s ecosystems, as photosynthesizers, decomposers, and recyclers.
- Humans use the versatility of microbes to make improvements in industrial production, agriculture, medicine, and environmental protection.
- The beneficial qualities of microbes are in contrast to the many infectious diseases they cause.
- Microbiologists use the scientific method to develop theories and explanations for microbial phenomena.
- The history of microbiology is marked by numerous significant discoveries and events in microscopy, culture techniques, and other methods of handling or controlling microbes.
- Microorganisms are the oldest organisms, having evolved over the 4 billion years of earth’s history to the modern varieties we now observe.
- Microbes are classified into groups according to evolutionary relationships, provided with standard scientific names, and identified by specific characteristics.
- Microorganisms can be classified by means of general categories called domains and cell types (procaryotes and eucaryotes).
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