BIOL240 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Spontaneous Generation, Helicobacter Pylori, Messenger Rna
21 Dec 2017
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Document Summary
The study of microbes, how they interact with humans and food. Robert hooke (1635 - 1703): early microscopes allowed first description of microbes (fruiting structures of molds) Antonie van leewenhoek (1632 1723): improved the lens allowed first description of bacteria. Produced enzymes and molecules for industrial/medical uses. Have small numbers of genes, simple to study. Genetic manipulation of single cell bacteria is easier that multicellular eukarya. Our understanding of life has arisen largely from studies of microorganisms (biochem and genetics studies of microorganisms continue to contribute to fundamental knowledge of life processes) We still know very little about the microorganisms that are present on earth. Were the first life on earth (approximately 3 billion years ago) Created a biosphere that allowed multicellular organisms to evolve, which evolved from microorganisms. More than 50% of the biomass on earth is comprised of microorganisms. Homeostasis (maintaining internal organization and order, usually by expending energy) Building blocks for enzymes and other proteins.
