All cells, eukaryotic organelles (e.g., mitochondria and chloroplasts), and major metabolic pathways evolved from early progenitor cells.
The diversity of microbes has arisen because of processes that include horizontal gene transfer, mutation, reassortment, recombination, and natural selection in varying ecological niches favor the growth and survival of certain variants.
The evolution of microbes is impacted by their interactions with the environment and a variety of ecological forces, including other microbes, humans, and habitats.
Phylogenetic trees best reflect the evolutionary relatedness of all organisms although microbial lineages may be difficult to define due to horizontal gene transfer or lack of conserved genes.
The structure and function of microbes are revealed by the use of microscopy, culture, and metabolic analyses, molecular methods, and bioinformatic tools.
The distinct structures and processes in microbes can be targets for interspecies competition, antimicrobial treatments, and host immunity.
Microbes have evolved structures adapted for specific functions that are often associated with a fitness advantage in a particular environment.
Microbes have unique genomes, structures, and/or biochemical characteristics that distinguish them from each other.
The replication of viruses is determined by their unique structures, DNA or RNA genomes, and the cells they infect.
Microbial reproductive cycles consist of sequential processes. 11.Obligate intracellular microbes require living host cells for replication.
Bacteria and Archaea exhibit extensive metabolic diversity, including nitrogen fixation, methane production, and anoxygenic photosynthesis, many of which are unique to these two domains.
Intrinsic factors, such as genotype, metabolism, and cell structures, impact the survival and growth of microbes.
Extrinsic factors, such as abiotic and biotic interactions in the environment, can impact survival and growth of microbes.
Most microbial life is currently unculturable and therefore both cultivation-dependent and cultivation-independent techniques are used to identify microbial populations and their potential metabolic pathways.
Microbes are ubiquitous, found in diverse and dynamic ecosystems, where they use available resources and often form complex communities.
Microbes and the environment interact with and affect each other.
Most microbes interact with hosts in beneficial or neutral ways, with a minority having a detrimental impact on their host.
The health of the environment and all organisms (microbes, plants, humans, other animals) are closely linked and interdependent, as described by the One Health paradigm.
Microbes are ubiquitous, found in diverse and dynamic ecosystems, where they use available resources and often form complex communities.
Microbes and the environment interact with and affect each other.
Most microbes interact with hosts in beneficial or neutral ways, with a minority having a detrimental impact on their host.
The health of the environment and all organisms (microbes, plants, humans, other animals) are closely linked and interdependent, as described by the One Health paradigm.
Microbes and their communities are essential for supporting all life as we know it.
Microbes are used as models that provide fundamental knowledge about life processes. 26.Humans leverage microbes and their products to address problems and improve quality of life.
The extent of microbial diversity is largely unknown, and exploration of this diversity is critical to understanding microbes and their role in the biosphere.
A minority of microbes are pathogens that can cause diseases and harm host organisms, society, and ecosystems.
The extent of microbial damage can be minimized by host-derived and external factors, including the microbiome, antibiotics, and immunity.
Apply scientific methods:
Investigate microbial systems.
Formulate hypotheses and design well-controlled experiments.
Analyze, troubleshoot, and interpret results from a variety of methods. Draw evidence-based conclusions.
Document and communicate the methods, results, and conclusions.
Collaborate, give and receive feedback, update method and reassess conclusions.
Use quantitative reasoning and computational skills, such as mathematical reasoning, graphing, and statistics to evaluate and interpret data in microbiology.
Properly prepare, view, and analyze specimens using microscopy.
Apply appropriate microbiological, molecular, serological, and bioinformatics methods to isolate and differentiate microorganisms.
Estimate the number of microorganisms in a sample by direct or indirect means.
Practice microbiology in a responsible and safe manner, using appropriate safety equipment and adhering to emergency procedures and guidelines.
Effectively communicate fundamental concepts of microbiology with consideration of scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Identify, interpret, and evaluate credible sources of information and cite them appropriately.
Describe the intersection between science and society, such as emerging technologies, policy development, the importance of ethics in the scientific process, and recognize the historical and ongoing contributions of diverse scientists.