MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology MIcrobial ecology
FUNDAMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY Chapter 10 INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIAL ECOLOGY What is Microbial Ecology? What is “Microbial”? – of or referring to a minute life form; a microorganism, especially a bacterium that causes disease Not in technical use What is “Ecology”? – the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment Microbial ecology = The study of interactions between microorganisms and their environment (chemical, physical, and biological environment!) Applied microbiology – study of practical uses of microbes in food processing, industrial production, and biotechnology Organization of Ecosystems Biosphere – thick envelope of life that surrounds the earth’s surface • Made up of: – hydrosphere (water) – lithosphere (soil) – atmosphere (air) • Maintains and creates the condi