Essays on Microbiology

I have always wanted to work closely with people in an intellectually stimulating environment, and, to my mind, a career, of a Microbiologist is one of the best ways to achieve this.
My interest in Microbiology started at a very young age and continued to be my greatest passion for years. When I was studying for my undergraduate degree in Botany and Microbiology in 2007 at King Saud University (Riyadh), I had an intensive training in the Medical Microbiology laboratories at National Guards and King Saud Hospitals in Saudi Arabia. During the training, I gained a lot of valuable Continue reading...

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms. Microorganisms are those organisms that are less than a millimeter in size and require the help of a microscope to view them. Microorganisms can be unicellular or multicellular but have very simple cell structure, unlike the highly developed, complex organisms such as larger animals and humans. Microorganisms are classified based on criteria such as their cell structure, pattern of growth, nutrition, reproduction method, etc. However, microbial classification is a challenging task due to the dual nature of some microorganisms that exhibit both animal and plant like characteristics. Some microorganisms are photosynthetic like plants Continue reading...

Microbiology could be etymologically defined as the study of small living things invisible to the naked eye (Hogg, 2013). The progress of microbiology has been tied to the technology available at each time in history. Humans were not even aware of the existence of microorganisms until about 350 years ago, when Anton van Leeuwenhoek observed what he described as ‘animalcules’ through a rudimentary microscope he invented himself (Hogg, 2013). Louis Pasteur, Robert Koch, and other scientists in the microbiology field relied on the technologies available at their time to face the challenges that arose to them.
At the end Continue reading...

Personal Statement (PhD)

Career advancement is a crucial element in any professional field. It leads to both personal and professional growth with multiple benefits to the society. Higher education provides an avenue for achievement of such goals. In view of this I am seeking to attain higher education (PhD) in my area of expertise in order to boost my professional career and increase my opportunities in this field of microbiology and molecular biology.
I am interested in joining Laurentian University in a bid to achieve both scholarly and personal short term goals. The pursuit for a PhD at this prestigious university will Continue reading...

Immunology

In biomedical science, immunology the study of the response or reaction of any organism to antigenic challenge(s) and the organism’s ability to recognize what is self and what is foreign. It fundamentally covers all the defense mechanisms of an organism, comprising chemical, biological and physical characteristics that aid the organism to fight predisposition to foreign material, organisms, etc.
The most common immunology test is the allergy test for individuals who are suspected to be allergic or have allergic reactions to certain elements. The Blood tests for allergen specific IgE (RAST) is mostly used. The blood tests involve Continue reading...

Microbiology Laboratory Technician is a career in biology that requires one to possess a college degree. Biology as a science deals with living organism and all that entails the life of the living things as well as their functioning. Microbiology as a major branch of biology involves microscopic living organisms. The study of microbiology involves learning how this microscopic organisms influence the life of other living things such as human beings. Disciplines with deal with the study of bacteria, parasites as well as viruses among others, make up the undergraduate study of microbiology. A Microbiology Laboratory Technician is expected Continue reading...

Introduction to Microbiology

The history of microbiology dates its origin back to 1674 when a Dutch merchant, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek was able to see, for the first time, microbial organisms. The invention of the microscope was, however, the most important step towards the development of microbiology. Microscopic observations made it possible to study and understand bacteria and other microscopic organisms. The discovery of the use of cowpox in the vaccination against smallpox, by Edward Jenner, was a major development in immunity. However, it represented only a small area in the field of microbiology. Therefore, the description of Jenner as the “greatest microbiologist Continue reading...

Introduction

Bacteria are the very first life forms in the history of our planet. Since the beginning they were exposed to extreme changes of temperature, pressure, pH and nutrients; hence, to survive, they had to adapt themselves. One strategy of survival is to go into suspension or dormancy, by converting themselves into a seed form or spores. When conditions become normal, these spores germinate back to vegetative form. This property is also seen in pathogenic bacteria that infect higher animals such as humans. One such group of bacteria is from the Genus Bacillus.When exposed to stress, these bacteria go into Continue reading...

Legionella is one of the conditions that for a long time has been researched on. Several authors and researchers have come up with their views concerning this condition and present their views in books, journals, and even websites. In the annotated bibliography below, a clear indication of the contribution of each author is given. The relevance of the reference is also shown, giving readers the reason why they should take the references.
Annotated bibliography
Bartram, J., Chartier, Y., Lee, J. V., Pond, K., & Surman Lee, S. (Eds.). (n.d.). Legionella and the prevention of legionellosis. ( Continue reading...

Microbiology Lab

Abstract
This laboratory report tries to recognize an unknown bacterial species. The Gram stain disclosed bacteria to be both gram-negative and positive and via microscopy it confirmed to be rod and cocci respectively. Now two different bacteria were on the agar. One was a coliform and other a non coliform. The bacteria were exposed to all essential microbiological techniques employed to recognize an unknown bacterial species. The unknown comprised about 1% of the total bacterial flora of humans and even most of the warm-blooded animals. The bacteria are the most extensively studied prokaryotic organism, and an essential species in Continue reading...

Introduction

The emergence of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays was much of a relief in the medical field especially given the fact that this model offers the most accurate way in the process of determining false-negative outcomes (Burggraf & Olgemoller, 2004).This ideology also finds support in the works of Nolte (2004) who asserts that, following the discovery of PCR and its application in a clinical setting, it has become possible to use nucleic acid amplification methods as transitions from research to clinical laboratories. This makes it possible to have a wide array of application in addressing issues relating to Continue reading...

Industrial microbiology has helped greatly in the discovery and development of substances that we use in our day to day life. It applies scientific and bioengineering techniques to processes and materials. Microorganisms produce valuable products of industrial microbiology.(Law 15) They include; Antibiotics, fermentation beverages, enzymes for amino acids synthesis, dairy products, and recovery of minerals from low grade ores, waste and waste water management, Biodegradation of xenobiotics, synthesis of chemotherapy drugs, just to name but a few. It’s a field that requires people to research on existing problems find or discover new products, get ways of producing Continue reading...

The fight against pathogenenic microorganisms to achieve a better life has been a continuous process. Rapid changes are seen as researches are embarking upon various forms of studies but there are certain discoveries that always seem greater. The New York Times published an article, which focus on the advancement in microbe genome sequencing technology. The article title "The new generation of microbe hunters" explored the challenges, the need, and future benefits of the new technology.
This publication provides a summary of some medic's perception and discussion of the current rapid infective process of microbes on human health in a Continue reading...

Biology of Disease

Mode of action of;-
Dexamethasone
The Glucocorticoid receptors are discovered intracellularly in all tissues. They enter cells through inactive dispersion and structure a complex with a receptor protein (Rhodes & Hartnoll, 2002, P.10). This intricate then experiences an irreversible enactment and enters the cell core, where it ties to the DNA, hence prompting organic impacts instigated by these hormones, which include expanded hepatic gluconeogenesis, as well as expanded lipolysis (Ahmed, 2007, P.13).
Dexamethasone is utilized to treat numerous provocative and immune system conditions, for example, rheumatoid joint pain and bronchospasm. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, an abatement in quantities of platelets Continue reading...

Identification of mystery microbe based on its morphology and biochemical properties

The experiment was conducted to detect the species of a given mystery microbe. The microbe was subjected to a battery of tests in order to identify its physical and biochemical characteristics. Based on the tests, different possible microbe species were eliminated to finally arrive at the right conclusion. The possible microbes included Escherichia coli, Providencia alcalifaciens, Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Micrococcus luteus, Serratia marcescens, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Sarcina aurantiaca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus licheniformis.
The first test conducted was to detect the Gram staining properties of the given microbe. This helped in identifying whether the given microbe had Continue reading...

Gardasil is a vaccine manufactured by Merck Inc. It was invented by Eliav Barr, Barry Buckland and Dr. Kathrin Jansen who worked on the vaccine from the Merck Research Laboratories. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006 as suitable in the prevention of cervical cancer in women. In particular the vaccine has been proven to protect women against four types (types 6, 11, 16 and 18) of Human papillomavirus (HPV) (Kathrin, Barry & Eliav, 2012). Among girls, two types of HPV cause more than 75% of cervical, vaginal cancers and two others cause more than Continue reading...

The Cave Paintings at Lascaux

A Detailed Summary
Discovered on September 12, 1940, the cave paintings at Lascaux are generally thought to have been created by the Magdalenian culture at some time between 15,000 and 13,000 B.C.E. at an age that was noted for fine art and tool making. There are other cave sites in France that date back to this era, notably the caves at Les Trois-Freres, Niaux, Altamira, Font-de-Gaume and Les Combarelles. However, Lascaux is larger, and the art is the best preserved. The artist or artists used minerals found in the area of the limestone caves, which were mixed Continue reading...

Abstract

Plasmodium falciparum is the parasite responsible for the deadly disease, malaria. The parasite is transmitted through the injection of sporozoites into the human blood stream. These sporozoites are transported in the blood stream to the liver. The sporozoites invade the hepatocytes and differentiate into merozoites. The merozoites invade the RBCs of the host; starting the blood stage of infection. The trophozoite stage ingests and degrades approximately 80% of the hemoglobin in the host cell. The hemoglobin is broken down into peptides due to enzymatic action by a metalloprotease and cysteine and aspartic proteases. Haematin is first released as a Continue reading...

The History and Modernization of Poultry Inspection Systems in the United States and the Food Safety Hazards that are Being Diminished because of Those Systems

Abstract

The accessibility, health benefits and low cost have kept the demand for poultry consumption up and poultry slaughter production plants moving forward; however, up until recent years there has been a lack of quality inspection standards leading to an increased amount of food safety issues. The pathogens that contaminate raw poultry products for human consumption are an issue in the United States. There have been new advances in technology which has led to an Continue reading...

Abstract

The report presents the results of a microbiological experiment to confirm the hypothesis that as leftover food sits out over time, the number of bacteria in the food will increase. The study was undertaken to indicate the risk of bacterial contamination and the importance of proper storage technique. The study was performed using a liquid food (corn tortilla soup) which was exposed to the external environment at room temperature. The control group in our experiment was the same food stored in a zip lock bag and refrigerated.
The soup was tested over a period of time, which served as Continue reading...

Asepsis

Microorganisms are the tiny microscopic structures that cannot be seen with naked eyes. They are present on all the living things and also in the environment. Some of these microorganisms are non pathogenic that is they do not cause any disease. However, many of the microorganisms are pathogenic in nature. The pathogenic microorganisms can cause disease or infections. Absence of these pathogenic microorganisms is known as asepsis.

Importance of asepsis

Asepsis is usually carried out in the laboratory mostly while dealing with microorganisms. The techniques used to carry out asepsis are known as aseptic techniques. If aseptic conditions are not maintained in Continue reading...

Introduction

Food items are always prone to spoilage which in most of the cases is precipitated by an increase in bad microbes that cause the food to change its property and thus food becomes unsafe for eating. The main purpose of inspection of food is to trace the presence of bad microbes that are available in most of the food products but below certain level they are harmless. Microbes are nothing but cells which are so microscopic that it is not possible to detect them when they are in very small numbers. In order to detect the presence of harmful Continue reading...

Summary

This essay is on short description of the following terms atoms, molecular structure, ionic bonding, periodic table, pH, acids, oxidation, antioxidants in food, alkali cleaning agents, salts used in food, plant cells, photosynthesis, micro-organisms in the environment, bacterial morphology, comparative sizes of micro-organisms, factors affecting the growth of bacteria, bacterial spores, biological role of enzymes, catalase, and enzymic browning.

Introduction

This essay will write short notes on various topics in chemistry as well as in microbiology. Some of the terms in chemistry include atom, molecular structure, periodic table, pH, oxidation, ionic bonding among others. Some of the terms in microbiology Continue reading...

Antibiotic resistance occurs when there is a gain or change in the DNA of the bacterial organism. Most mechanisms of antibiotic resistance are associated with plasmid-mediated transfer of genetic information; using transposons facilitates the transfer of information, and in fact many common modes of resistance are associated with transposons such as beta – lactamases, tetracycline resistance and aminoglycoside resistance (Microbiology, 2007 pg. 64-65). Resistance is accomplished by one of three mechanisms (Microbiology, 2007 pg.65):
- Decreased uptake
- Alteration of target site: A change in the penicillin binding site of certain bacterial cell walls leads to less binding. This Continue reading...

Abstract

In this essay, a description of a non-pathogenic and of a pathogenic microorganism is made. As microbiology aims the study of the microscopic organism that inhabit the ecosystems, the understanding of what are the species present in the biosphere, what are the condition in which they live, what are their metabolic processes and products, and of how can these influence, positively and/or negatively other living forms, including humans, it is essential to study them to know how their caused illnesses be prevented, treated and, furthermore, how can possibly help the health welfare. As examples, the Lactobacillus casei and Clostridium Continue reading...

Describe the Hemoglobin Digestive Process

P. falciparum, is the parasite responsible for the malaria, a disease that causes approximately one million deaths annually. It undergoes the process of erythrocytic schizogony which is responsible for the clinical manifestations of malaria. The trophozoite ingests and degrades approximately 80% of the hemoglobin in the host cell (Brayl 2005). As the trophozoite continues to develop, its endolysosomal system takes up the cytoplasm of the host cell using cytosomes which contains host hemoglobin. Cytosomes are formed by an invagination formed from the PVM (parasitophorous vacuolar membrane) and PPM (parasite plasma membrane) from which transport vesicles are pinched off. These Continue reading...

Introduction

Traditionally, biology is described as that branch of science that is involved in the study of living things. this implies that biologists invariably collect information in the course of this study. Moreover, this also implies that biologists have to interpret this information. this process has been a slow and arduous one until the turn of the21st century. before this period, biologists have had to contend with the prospect of interpreting collected information with the help of the senses and sometimes, laboratory investigations. however, with the turn of the century and its corresponding development of information technology, this arduous task Continue reading...

Introduction

The collection of bacterial, archaeal, eukaryal and viral microbes in surface waters, oceans soils and wastes together constitute the environmental microbiome. This microbiome is vital to humans and the environment in several ways including but not restricted to nutrient recycling, biotechnological application in the food and beverage industry and genetic engineering technologies. Nonetheless, pathogenic microbes can invade and grow within other organisms causing disease (Egli and Koster).
Different strategies have been used to define microbial community structure across microbial ecosystems. Taxonomic classification based on morphologic and physiological traits of cultured microbial communities is no longer attractive Continue reading...

Introduction

The collection of bacterial, archaeal, eukaryal and viral microbes in surface waters, oceans soils and wastes together constitute the environmental microbiome. This microbiome is vital to humans and the environment in several ways including but not restricted to nutrient recycling, biotechnological application in the food and beverage industry and genetic engineering technologies. Nonetheless, pathogenic microbes can invade and grow within other organisms causing disease (Egli and Koster).
Different strategies have been used to define microbial community structure across microbial ecosystems. Taxonomic classification based on morphologic and physiological traits of cultured microbial communities is no longer attractive Continue reading...

(City, State)

Introduction

Tuberculosis or TB refers to a common, deadly, and infectious disease that is caused by a number of mycobacteria strains (Kumar, et al., 2007). The most common mycobacterium that causes TB is the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB usually affects the lungs, although it is also possible for the other body parts to be affected. The disease uses air as the medium of spreading the infection when infected people sneeze, cough or transmit fluids from the respiratory organs through air. Some of the symptoms associated with the different TB variant, as well as TB stages, include chills, loss of Continue reading...

This stage starts with target identification. A biochemical mechanism established in a disease condition is chosen. Thomas (137) establishes that drug candidates, discovered in biotech/pharmaceutical research labs are tested for their contact with the drug target. Numerous molecules for all potential drug candidates undergo rigorous screening process. This may include functional proteomics and/or genomics among other screening methods. After confirming interaction with target drug, they classically validate that target through checking for activity versus disease condition that the drug in being developed. After vigilant review, one or several lead compounds are chosen. There is no specified duration of time Continue reading...

It is widely assumed that the skin has organisms that contaminate it and which might cause pathological transformations when injected into the body through the injection of a needle. With this assumption as basis patients, nurses, trainee doctors and medical students are trained to prepare the skin before injecting it through cleansing with a kind of antiseptic to keep away any infections at the site of injection. Alcohol swab that is comprised of 70% of isopropyl has been used since the 19th century as the oldest and most highly effective antiseptic for the preparation of the skin just before Continue reading...

Introduction

Rheumatic fever (RF), or acute rheumatic fever (ARF), is an autoimmune complication caused by the human-specific bacterial pathogen group A (B-hemolytic) streptococcus (GAS), Streptococcus pyogenes. S. pyogenes is a Gram-positive aerobic bacterium that is coccoid or spherical in shape and usually occurs in pairs or chains. It produces hemolysin that forms a clear zone around the colonies when grown on blood agar. It has been designated as part of group A via Lancefield serotyping because it displays the carbohydrate antigen A on its cell wall. It is non acid-fast, non-spore forming, and may or may not have capsules. It Continue reading...

Introduction

The human body possesses a remarkable capability that can however be jeopardized by disease. Dental conditions occur as some of the most pertinent concerns in human health. Often connoted as Xerostomia, dry mouth occurs as one the dental conditions that jeopardize human health in different ways. Speaking of dry mouth, this connotes to any dental condition that precipitates dryness of the mouth. In fact, dry mouth occurs in cases where an individual experiences frequent episodes whereby the mouth becomes unusually dry. Many at times, dry mouth is elicited by the decrease in saliva production, which is often caused by Continue reading...

Lab report #

Introduction
In recent times, synthetic antibiotics have caused resistance in microorganisms and also, have shown unwanted side-effects. This has demanded for alternate therapies to combat infections. Scientists have developed interest in plant extracts, especially the ones that are traditionally used as spices, for new antimicrobial agents. Spices are traditionally used to give a distinctive flavor to the food but, they also contain potential antimicrobials which are also documented in literature. Even Louis Pasteur demonstrated the antibacterial effect of garlic and onion extracts. Salsa contains three main ingredients which have potential antimicrobial compounds. First, Lemon (Citrus Limon) is reported to Continue reading...

Literature review of CVL

Introduction
The management of the sick with serious disease like cancer requires a stable central venous access to be used for a variety of treatment that includes antibiotic and blood samples or product. It also allows the resuscitation of fluid, hemodialysis and parenteral nutrition and cytotoxic chemotherapy to access blood-stream so that medical professionals can observe and microbial culturing of the patient. In addition, it is used to monitor the pressure of central venous. The importance of educating the patient was emphasized too so as to avoid keeping the patients in darkness and not knowing what is happening to Continue reading...

Microbiology laboratory report

Abstract
Bacteriophages are intracellular parasitic viruses that infect bacteria to carry out their multiplication. During the lytic infection cycles, phages lyse the host cells forming a clear zone called plaque on the agar media. The experiment is aimed to measure the number of plaques created when the virus T4 infects the host bacteria and their genetic material integrates into the genetic material of the host cell. This happens because the E.coli becomes resistant to T4 bacteriophage. The T4 phage was diluted in a test tube and then E.coli bacteria was added in the tubes. The mixture was poured with Continue reading...

The process of identifying an organism involves the determination of where an isolate or an organism needs to be placed within a group of organisms that are already known. The process is usually done to conform to a given scheme of classification. Most of the microorganisms that may be found in the environment require to be identified aiming at identifying the different species that may be found in a given environment. The identification enables physicists and health workers to associated different sources with different organisms especially those that cause diseases. Organism classification may also help in the diagnosis of Continue reading...

I have been asked to submit a research based, essay on a Critical Incident Analysis, which occurred on the ward on which I was working during my return to nursing course this year.
After looking at the various models of reflection that are available (Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle, John’s Model of structured Reflection, Rolfe’s Framework for Reflective Practice), I have decided to use Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle. The choice of this model was based on the fact that I identified more with this style of reflection, and I felt that it would suit me better compared to the other Continue reading...

Polymerase Chain Reaction

Polymerase chain reaction known as PCR was developed by Kary Mullis in 1983. It is a Molecular Diagnostic technology used for amplification of DNA. A single copy of DNA can be amplified to higher magnitudes with a thousand copies of a single DNA sequence. PCR has now been developed as a Molecular Diagnostic tool for Cancer and mainly to detect the early onset of leukemia or lymphomas. It is widely used as a diagnostic tool in the field of microbiology and is also utilized in detection of infectious micro-organisms y detecting specific disease causing genes. In the year 1993, Continue reading...