General Microbiology

Evolution and scope of microbiology. History of microbiology. Microbial classification, nomenclature and identification. Taxonomic groups. General methods of classifying bacteria. Microscopy and microscopes: Smears and staining. Morphology and fine structure of bacteria. Cultivation of bacteria, nutritional requirements. Nutritional classification of bacteria; Phototrophs, chemotrophs, autotrophs and heterotrophs; Obligate parasites; Bacteriological media, Growth of bacteria, Reproduction of bacteria; Introduction to fungi, algae and protozoa and virus, Microbiology of water and food Nutrient transport phenomenon: Passive diffusion, facilitated diffusion; Group translocation, active transport. Metabolism in bacteria –ATP generation Microbial genetics; Bacterial recombination; Bacterial conjugation, transduction; Bacterial transformation; Mutations: Types of mutations, mutagenesis; Mutation rate, repair of mutations; Phenotypes of bacterial mutants; Designation of bacterial mutants; Destruction of microorganisms: Physical agents and chemical agents; Chemotherapeutic agents and chemotherapy; Characteristics of antibiotics; Mode of action of antibiotics; Pure culture: Methods of isolation of pure cultures; Maintenance and preservation of pure cultures; Culture collections.