Web Microbiology at ACM

Chapter 10, Episode 7

In this episode, glycolysis is introduced as the first step in glucose breakdown, producing pyruvate, ATP, and NADH. The possible fates of pyruvate are discussed, followed by an overview of the Krebs cycle and its role in generating electron carriers and small amounts of ATP.

Chapter 10, Episode 6

In this episode, energy flow in the cell is explored through exergonic and endergonic reactions and how they are coupled. Redox reactions are introduced as the movement of electrons, with NAD⁺ and FAD acting as electron carriers. The three methods of ATP production, substrate-level, oxidative, and photophosphorylation, are also introduced.

Chapter 10, Episode 5

In this episode, metabolism is introduced as the sum of all chemical reactions in the cell, including catabolism and anabolism. The role of ATP as the cell’s energy currency is explained, along with how enzymes function as catalysts and how they are regulated through gene control, feedback inhibition, and competitive and noncompetitive inhibition.

Chapter 18, Episode 10

We finish Chapter 18 by exploring PCR, DNA sequencing, and other molecular technologies, and how they have transformed microbial identification and are shaping the future of diagnostic microbiology. 

Chapter 18, Episode 9

Discover how immunologic tests such as ELISA and rapid antigen tests detect pathogens and antibodies, providing faster diagnostic information for patient care.

Chapter 18, Episode 8

Explore how real clinical microbiology labs process patient specimens, use selective media and identification panels, and determine effective antibiotic treatments.

Chapter 18, Episode 7

A walkthrough of the Unknown ID Dry Lab, including how to use dichotomous keys, interpret test results, and identify unknown bacteria using the same reasoning process used in clinical laboratories.  

Chapter 18, Episode 6

Learn how clinical microbiologists identify disease-causing bacteria by phenotype, using observations, staining, and biochemical tests to narrow down suspects. This is just like playing a game of "Guess Who?"

Chapter 7, Episode 4

We wrap up chapter 7 by discussing how antiviral drugs target specific steps in viral replication and why treatment can be challenging. Then we explore prions, infectious proteins that break the traditional rules of biology and cause devastating neurodegenerative diseases.

Chapter 7, Episode 3

This episode walks step-by-step through viral replication. From attachment to release, we examine how viruses enter cells, redirect cellular machinery, and produce new virions, including the unique strategies of RNA viruses and retroviruses.