Chapter 1: Introduction to
Microbiology
Dr. Julie Wells
Introduction to Microbiology
History and Nomenclature In this
discussion, we will talk about types
of different microorganisms.
Microbiology is a specialized area
of biology that deals with living
things too small to be seen without
magnification. These
microorganisms include: Bacteria
Archaea Protozoans Fungi
Helminths Viruses Algae Do you
think we should use antibacterial
cleaning products all over your
home? The first living organism
appeared on this planet about 3.8
billion years ago. It was our first
sign of life. The earth is
approximately 4.6 billion years old
in terms of the first living
organisms. In terms of how bacteria
get energy they need, all organisms
have to be able to take in energy. In
the case of bacteria, some bacteria
are photosynthetic. Autotrophic
means self-feeder; these are
organisms that are able to make
their food. Cyanobacteria, which
are found in water, can do
photosynthesis just like plants.
They can take carbon dioxide,
water, and sunlight and convert that
Microbiology
Dr. Julie Wells
Introduction to Microbiology
History and Nomenclature In this
discussion, we will talk about types
of different microorganisms.
Microbiology is a specialized area
of biology that deals with living
things too small to be seen without
magnification. These
microorganisms include: Bacteria
Archaea Protozoans Fungi
Helminths Viruses Algae Do you
think we should use antibacterial
cleaning products all over your
home? The first living organism
appeared on this planet about 3.8
billion years ago. It was our first
sign of life. The earth is
approximately 4.6 billion years old
in terms of the first living
organisms. In terms of how bacteria
get energy they need, all organisms
have to be able to take in energy. In
the case of bacteria, some bacteria
are photosynthetic. Autotrophic
means self-feeder; these are
organisms that are able to make
their food. Cyanobacteria, which
are found in water, can do
photosynthesis just like plants.
They can take carbon dioxide,
water, and sunlight and convert that
