Web Microbiology at ACM

Chapter 7, Episode 2

We revisit the lytic and lysogenic cycles of bacteriophages and apply those concepts to human viral infections. Learn the difference between latent and chronic infections, how viruses can damage cells, and how some viruses even contribute to cancer.

Chapter 7, Episode 1

Are viruses alive? In this episode, we explore what viruses are made of, how they’re structured, and why they must hijack host cells to survive. We break down capsids, envelopes, bacteriophages, and viral genetics to build the foundation for understanding how viruses work.

Chapter 8, Episode 16

This episode focuses on how DNA manipulation is applied in real-world settings through biotechnology. Key topics include recombinant DNA technology, GMOs like Bt corn, gene therapy, CAR-T cancer treatment, and CRISPR gene editing. You’ll see how these tools are used to produce important products like insulin, improve agriculture, and treat disease, while also considering their benefits and limitations.

Chapter 8, Episode 15

In this episode, we explore how scientists analyze and visualize DNA after it has been amplified or cut. Topics include gel electrophoresis, DNA profiling, sequencing, SNPs, and microarrays. You’ll learn how these techniques allow researchers to compare DNA samples, identify individuals, detect genetic variation, and study gene activity, with real-world applications in forensics, medicine, and research.

Chapter 8, Episode 14

This episode introduces the foundational tools used to study and manipulate DNA, including restriction enzymes, PCR, and cloning vectors. You’ll learn how DNA can be cut at specific sequences, amplified into millions of copies, and transferred between organisms for genetic analysis and engineering. These techniques are essential for understanding how scientists work with genes in research, medicine, and biotechnology.

Chapter 6, Episode 13

This episode explains how mutations alter DNA sequences, including point mutations, insertions, deletions, and frameshifts, and how these changes can affect protein function and phenotype. It also discusses mutagens, DNA repair mechanisms, and the biological significance of mutation in genetics, disease, and microbiology.

Chapter 6, Episode 12

This episode discusses the unique ways bacteria evolve through DNA. They transfer genetic material horizontally, within the same generation, and the processes by which this is accomplished are discussed in the episode.

Chapter 6, Episode 11

This episode introduces the operon, and discusses how bacterial cells control gene expression. The lac operon is discussed in detail as an example of the ways bacteria conserve energy and only make proteins when they are necessary for survival.

Chapter 6, Episode 10

This episode is a continuation of the central dogma, focusing on the process of translation and how ribosomes create proteins from messenger RNA.

Chapter 6, Episode 9

This episode introduces the central dogma and the genetic code. We'll discuss how cells create protein from genes, and point out the differences in the process of transcription between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.