Composition and Classification of Microorganisms

Basic characteristics of Microorganisms:

 Cell components
 Cell compositions
 Environmental factors affecting microbial activities
Cell Components

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

 Cell Components
 Cell Wall
Provides strength to maintain cell shape and protects the cell membrane
 Cell membrane
Controls the passage of dissolved organics and nutrients in to the cell and
waste materials and metabolic by-products out of the cell
 Cytoplasm
Contains material within the cell to carry out cell functions and includes
water, nutrients, enzymes, ribosomes and organic molecules
 Nucleoid – Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
Contains genetic information that determines the nature of the cell proteins
and enzymes that are produced.
 Ribosomes
Particles in the cytoplasm that are composed of riboneucleic acid (RNA)
and protein and are the sites where protiens are produced.