GENERAL BIOLOGY AND BIOLOGY OF MICROORGANISMS A - L

Module BIOLOGY OF MICROORGANISMS

The aim of this course is to give students a perspective on the microbial diversity. In particular, The students will learn basic knowledge on the structure, metabolism and genetics of microorganisms, the role of the factors that influence microbial growth, the principles and the methods for the cultivation and identification of microorganisms.

Frontal teaching.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

History of microbiology. Contributions of microbiology to human health and biotechnology.

First microscopical observations; spontaneous generation theory; concept of transmissible disease, contagion, and infection: concept of immunity against transmissible disease. Microbial genetic and molecular biology development. Precellular evolution and origin of life. Role of microrganism in human evolution. Virus discovery, first vaccines.

Bacterial cell: cell wall in gram-positive and gram-negative: peptidoglycan structure; teichoic acid, proteins and others components. Outer membrane in gram-negative bacteria: function and organization; lipopolisaccarid structure. Cytoplasmic membrane: structure and function. Fimbria and pili as adhesion structures and their antigenicity. Flagella and bacterial movement. Bacterial chromosome organization. Bacterial spore as differentiation condition in bacteria: structure, resistance to physical and chimical agents, regulation of sporulation and germination, biological and medical significance. Bacterial growth: biological significance of growth steps in liquid media; relationship between bacterial growth in vitro and pathogenesis of infections; solid and liquid culture media; isolation in pure culture.

Sterilization and disinfection. Anti- infective drugs. Sterilization and disinfection: biological basis of physical agents action (dry and moist heat, filtration, ultraviolet and ionizing radiations), chemical agents (disinfectants and sterilizing substances).

Genetic regulation. Positive and negative controls. Feedback. Lac operon. Tryptophan regulation. Diauxic curve.

Genetics of bacteria. Mutations. Mechanisms of bacterial transfer: Conjugation, transformation and transduction.

Virus structure and classification. Bacteriofages.

1) Brock. Biologia dei microrganismi. Microbiologia generale, ambientale e industriale. Pearson Editore.

2) Gianni Dehò e Enrica Galli. Biologia dei microrganismi. Casa editrice Ambrosiana.

Tests in progress

Oral examination

Describe the main laboratory assays used to determine antibiotic sensitivity.

 Describe the main mechanisms of gene regulation.

What is meant by pure culture.

How a vital count is prepared.