Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Gerard J. Tortora
Bergen Community College
Berdell R. Funke
North Dakota State University
Christine L. Case
Skyline College
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www.pearsonhighered.com 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10—V357—18 17 16 15 14
Berdell R. Funke Bert Funke received his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in
microbiology from Kansas State University. He has spent his professional
years as a professor of microbiology at North Dakota State University. He
taught introductory microbiology, including laboratory sections, general
microbiology, food microbiology, soil microbiology, clinical parasitology,
and pathogenic microbiology. As a research scientist in the Experiment
Station at North Dakota State, he has published numerous papers in soil
microbiology and food microbiology.
Since the publication of the first edition nearly 30 years ago, well cutting-edge assessment resources for instructors as well as
over 1 million students have used Microbiology: An Introduction self-study tools for students. Big Picture Coaching Activi-
at colleges and universities around the world, making it the lead- ties are paired with the book’s new Big Picture: Tough Topics
ing textbook for non-majors microbiology. The twelfth edition and Big Picture: Disease features; Interactive Microbiology is
continues to be a comprehensive beginning text, assuming no a dynamic suite of interactive tutorials and animations that
previous study of biology or chemistry. The text is appropriate for teach key concepts in microbiology; and MicroBoosters are
students in a wide variety of programs, including the allied health brief video tutorials that cover key concepts that some
sciences, biological sciences environmental science, animal sci- students need to review or re-learn.
ence, forestry, agriculture, home economics, and the liberal arts. ● Big Picture “tough topic” features. These two-page
The twelfth edition has retained the features that have made spreads focus on the most challenging topics for students to
this book so popular: master: metabolism (Chapter 5), genetics (Chapter 8), and
● An appropriate balance between microbiological immunology (Chapter 16). Each spread breaks down these
fundamentals and applications, and between medical important concepts into manageable steps and gives students
applications and other applied areas of microbiology. a clear learning framework for the related chapters. Each
Basic microbiological principles are given greater includes a quick-reference (QR) code that allows students to
emphasis, and health-related applications are featured. link to related MicroFlix videos with their smartphones.
● Straightforward presentation of complex topics. Each
● Big Picture Disease features. These two-page spreads appear
section of the text is written with the student in mind. within each organ-system disease chapter (Chapters 21–26)
as well as Chapter 19 (Disorders of the Immune System).
● Clear, accurate, and pedagogically effective illustrations
Each spread focuses on a particular disease and applies it to a
and photos. Step-by-step diagrams that closely coordinate
related real-world challenge, many dealing with public health
with narrative descriptions aid student comprehension of
issues.
concepts.
● Reworked complement section in Chapter 16 (Innate
● Flexible organization. We have organized the book in
Immunity: Nonspecific Defenses of the Host). New art
what we think is a useful fashion while recognizing that the
and more straightforward discussions make this challenging
material might be effectively presented in other sequences. For
and critical material easier for students to understand
instructors who wish to use a different order, we have made each
and retain.
chapter as independent as possible and have included numerous
cross-references. The Instructor’s Guide provides detailed
● In the Clinic. This new feature, appearing at the start of
guidelines for organizing the material in several other ways. every chapter, includes critical thinking questions that
encourage students to think as health care professionals
would in various clinical scenarios and spark student interest
New to the Twelfth Edition in the forthcoming chapter content.
The twelfth edition focuses on big-picture concepts and themes ● ASM guidelines. The American Society of Microbiology
in microbiology, encouraging students to visualize and synthesize has released six underlying concepts and 22 related topics to
more difficult topics such as microbial metabolism, immunology, provide a framework for key microbiological topics deemed
and microbial genetics. to be of lasting importance beyond the classroom. The
The twelfth edition meets all students at their respective twelfth edition explains the themes and competencies at the
levels of skill and understanding while addressing the biggest beginning of the book and incorporates callouts when chapter
challenges that instructors face. Updates to the twelfth edition content matches one of these 22 topics. Doing so addresses
enhance the book’s consistent pedagogy and clear explanations. two key challenges: it helps students and instructors focus
Some of the highlights follow. on the enduring principles of the course, and it provides
● Cutting-edge media integration. MasteringMicrobiology another pedagogical tool for instructors to assess students’
(www.masteringmicrobiology.com) provides unprecedented, understanding and encourage critical thinking.
vii
xi
4
• Modern Developments in Microbiology
unctional Anatomy of Prokaryotic
F
Microbes and Human Welfare 13
Recycling Vital Elements • Sewage Treatment: Using Microbes and Eukaryotic Cells 72
to Recycle Water • Bioremediation: Using Microbes to Clean Up
Pollutants • Insect Pest Control by Microorganisms • Modern Comparing Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells: An Overview 73
Biotechnology and Recombinant DNA Technology THE PROKARYOTIC CELL 73
Microbes and Human Disease 15 The Size, Shape, and Arrangement of Bacterial Cells 73
Normal Microbiota • Biofilms • Infectious Diseases Structures External to the Cell Wall 75
• Emerging Infectious Diseases Glycocalyx • Flagella • Axial Filaments • Fimbriae and Pili
Study Outline • Study Questions 20 The Cell Wall 80
2 Chemical Principles 24
Composition and Characteristics • Cell Walls and the Gram Stain
Mechanism • Atypical Cell Walls • Damage to the Cell Wall
Structures Internal to the Cell Wall 85
The Plasma (Cytoplasmic) Membrane • The Movement
The Structure of Atoms 25
Chemical Elements • Electronic Configurations of Materials across Membranes • Cytoplasm • The Nucleoid
• Ribosomes • Inclusions • Endospores
How Atoms Form Molecules: Chemical Bonds 27
THE EUKARYOTIC CELL 94
Ionic Bonds • Covalent Bonds • Hydrogen Bonds • Molecular
Weight and Moles Flagella and Cilia 96
Chemical Reactions 30 The Cell Wall and Glycocalyx 96
Energy in Chemical Reactions • Synthesis Reactions The Plasma (Cytoplasmic) Membrane 97
• Decomposition Reactions • Exchange Reactions Cytoplasm 98
• The Reversibility of Chemical Reactions Ribosomes 98
Important Biological Molecules 31 Organelles 98
Inorganic Compounds 32 The Nucleus • Endoplasmic Reticulum • Golgi Complex
Water • Acids, Bases, and Salts • Acid–Base Balance: • Lysosomes • Vacuoles • Mitochondria • Chloroplasts
The Concept of pH • Peroxisomes • Centrosome
Organic Compounds 34 The Evolution of Eukaryotes 102
Structure and Chemistry • Carbohydrates • Lipids • Proteins Study Outline • Study Questions 103
• Nucleic Acids • Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
Study Outline • Study Questions 47
xiii
Metabolic Pathways of Energy Use 140 The Regulation of Bacterial Gene Expression 214
Polysaccharide Biosynthesis • Lipid Biosynthesis • Amino Pre-transcriptional Control • Post-transcriptional Control
Acid and Protein Biosynthesis • Purine and Pyrimidine Changes in the Genetic Material 218
Biosynthesis Mutation • Types of Mutations • Mutagens • The Frequency
The Integration of Metabolism 142 of Mutation • Identifying Mutants • Identifying
Study Outline • Study Questions 144 Chemical Carcinogens
6
Genetic Transfer and Recombination 225
Transformation in Bacteria • Conjugation in Bacteria
Microbial Growth 149 • Transduction in Bacteria • Plasmids and Transposons
Genes and Evolution 233
The Requirements for Growth 150
Study Outline • Study Questions 234
Physical Requirements • Chemical Requirements
Biofilms 156
Culture Media 157
Chemically Defined Media • Complex Media • Anaerobic
Growth Media and Methods • Special Culture
Techniques • Selective and Differential Media • Enrichment
9 iotechnology and DNA
B
Technology 238
Introduction to Biotechnology 239
Culture
Recombinant DNA Technology • An Overview of Recombinant
Obtaining Pure Cultures 162
DNA Procedures
Preserving Bacterial Cultures 163
Tools of Biotechnology 241
The Growth of Bacterial Cultures 163 Selection • Mutation • Restriction Enzymes • Vectors
Bacterial Division • Generation Time • Logarithmic • Polymerase Chain Reaction
Representation of Bacterial Populations • Phases of Growth Techniques of Genetic Modification 244
• Direct Measurement of Microbial Growth • Estimating
Bacterial Numbers by Indirect Methods Inserting Foreign DNA into Cells • Obtaining DNA • Selecting
a Clone • Making a Gene Product
Study Outline • Study Questions 172
Applications of DNA Technology 250
Therapeutic Applications • Genome Projects • Scientific
Applications • Agricultural Applications
Safety Issues and the Ethics of Using DNA Technology 258 Algae 332
Study Outline • Study Questions 260 Characteristics of Algae • Selected Phyla of Algae • Roles of Algae
in Nature
Protozoa 337
PART TWO A Survey of the Microbial World Characteristics of Protozoa • Medically Important Protozoa
10 lassification of
C Slime Molds 342
Helminths 343
Microorganisms 264 Characteristics of Helminths • Platyhelminths • Nematodes
The Study of Phylogenetic Relationships 265 Arthropods as Vectors 351
The Three Domains • A Phylogenetic Tree Study Outline • Study Questions 353
13
Classification of Organisms 269
Scientific Nomenclature • The Taxonomic Hierarchy
• Classification of Prokaryotes • Classification of Eukaryotes Viruses, Viroids, and Prions 358
• Classification of Viruses
General Characteristics of Viruses 359
Methods of Classifying and Identifying Microorganisms 272
Host Range • Viral Size
Morphological Characteristics • Differential Staining
• Biochemical Tests • Serology • Phage Typing • Fatty Acid Viral Structure 360
Profiles • Flow Cytometry • DNA Base Composition • DNA Nucleic Acid • Capsid and Envelope • General Morphology
Fingerprinting • Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs)
• Nucleic Acid Hybridization • Putting Classification Methods
Taxonomy of Viruses 362
Together Isolation, Cultivation, and Identification of Viruses 363
Study Outline • Study Questions 286 Growing Bacteriophages in the Laboratory • Growing Animal
Viruses in the Laboratory • Viral Identification
Viral Multiplication 369
11 he Prokaryotes: Domains
T
Bacteria and Archaea 290
Multiplication of Bacteriophages • Multiplication of Animal
Viruses
Viruses and Cancer 380
The Transformation of Normal Cells into Tumor Cells • DNA
The Prokaryotic Groups 291
Oncogenic Viruses • RNA Oncogenic Viruses • Viruses
DOMAIN BACTERIA 292 to Treat Cancer
Gram-Negative Bacteria 292 Latent Viral Infections 382
Proteobacteria • The Nonproteobacteria Gram-Negative
Persistent Viral Infections 382
Bacteria
Prions 383
The Gram-Positive Bacteria 308
Plant Viruses and Viroids 383
Firmicutes (Low G + C Gram-Positive Bacteria)
• Actinobacteria (High G + C Gram-Positive Bacteria) Study Outline • Study Questions 385
DOMAIN ARCHAEA 314
Diversity within the Archaea 314 PART THREE Interaction
MICROBIAL DIVERSITY 315 between Microbe and Host
14
Discoveries Illustrating the Range of Diversity 315
Study Outline • Study Questions 316
rinciples of Disease
P
and Epidemiology 389
17
Study Outline • Study Questions 412 daptive Immunity: Specific
A
Defenses of the Host 468
15 icrobial Mechanisms
M
of Pathogenicity 417
The Adaptive Immune System 469
Dual Nature of the Adaptive Immune System 469
Overview of Humoral Immunity • Overview of Cellular
How Microorganisms Enter a Host 418
Immunity
Portals of Entry • The Preferred Portal of Entry • Numbers
of Invading Microbes • Adherence Cytokines: Chemical Messengers of Immune Cells 470
How Bacterial Pathogens Penetrate Host Defenses 421 Antigens and Antibodies 471
Capsules • Cell Wall Components • Enzymes • Antigenic Antigens • Antibodies
Variation • Penetration into the Host Cell Cytoskeleton
Humoral Immunity Response Process 475
How Bacterial Pathogens Damage Host Cells 424 Clonal Selection of Antibody-Producing Cells • The Diversity
Using the Host’s Nutrients: Siderophores • Direct Damage of Antibodies
• Production of Toxins • Plasmids, Lysogeny, and Pathogenicity Antigen–Antibody Binding and Its Results 477
Pathogenic Properties of Viruses 430 Cellular Immunity Response Process 479
Viral Mechanisms for Evading Host Defenses • Cytopathic Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs) • Classes of T Cells
Effects of Viruses
Extracellular Killing by the Immune System 484
Pathogenic Properties of Fungi, Protozoa, Helminths,
and Algae 432 Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity 484
Fungi • Protozoa • Helminths • Algae Immunological Memory 485
Portals of Exit 433 Types of Adaptive Immunity 486
Study Outline • Study Questions 435 Study Outline • Study Questions 489
19
Effects of Combinations of Drugs 574
isorders Associated with
D
Future of Chemotherapeutic Agents 574
the Immune System 515 Study Outline • Study Questions 576
Hypersensitivity 516
Allergies and the Microbiome • Type I (Anaphylactic) Reactions PART FOUR Microorganisms
• Preventing Anaphylactic Reactions • Type II (Cytotoxic)
Reactions • Type III (Immune Complex) Reactions • Type IV and Human Disease
21
(Delayed Cell-Mediated) Reactions
Autoimmune Diseases 526
icrobial Diseases of
M
Cytotoxic Autoimmune Reactions • Immune Complex the Skin and Eyes 579
Autoimmune Reactions • Cell-Mediated Autoimmune Reactions
Structure and Function of the Skin 580
Reactions Related to the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)
Mucous Membranes
Complex 528
Reactions to Transplantation • Immunosuppression Normal Microbiota of the Skin 580
The Immune System and Cancer 532 Microbial Diseases of the Skin 581
Immunotherapy for Cancer Bacterial Diseases of the Skin • Viral Diseases of the Skin
• Fungal Diseases of the Skin and Nails • Parasitic Infestation
Immunodeficiencies 533 of the Skin
Congenital Immunodeficiencies • Acquired Immunodeficiencies
Microbial Diseases of the Eye 599
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) 534 Inflammation of the Eye Membranes: Conjunctivitis • Bacterial
The Origin of AIDS • HIV Infection • Diagnostic Methods Diseases of the Eye • Other Infectious Diseases of the Eye
• HIV Transmission • AIDS Worldwide • Preventing Study Outline • Study Questions 603
and Treating AIDS • The AIDS Epidemic and the Importance
of Scientific Research
Study Outline • Study Questions 544
22 icrobial Diseases of
M
the Nervous System 607
23 icrobial Diseases
M
of the Cardiovascular
and Lymphatic Systems 637
Fungal Diseases of the Lower Respiratory System 698
Histoplasmosis • Coccidioidomycosis • Pneumocystis Pneumonia
• Blastomycosis (North American Blastomycosis) • Other Fungi
Involved in Respiratory Disease
Study Outline • Study Questions 703
Structure and Function of the Cardiovascular and Lymphatic
Systems 638
Bacterial Diseases of the Cardiovascular and Lymphatic
Systems 639
Sepsis and Septic Shock • Bacterial Infections of the Heart
• Rheumatic Fever • Tularemia • Brucellosis (Undulant Fever)
25 icrobial Diseases of
M
the Digestive System 707
Structure and Function of the Digestive System 708
• Anthrax • Gangrene • Systemic Diseases Caused by Bites
and Scratches • Vector-Transmitted Diseases Normal Microbiota of the Digestive System 708
Viral Diseases of the Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Bacterial Diseases of the Mouth 709
Systems 655 Dental Caries (Tooth Decay) • Periodontal Disease
Burkitt’s Lymphoma • Infectious Mononucleosis • Other Diseases Bacterial Diseases of the Lower Digestive System 712
and Epstein-Barr Virus • Cytomegalovirus Infections Staphylococcal Food Poisoning (Staphylococcal Enterotoxicosis)
• Chikungunya Fever • Classic Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers • Shigellosis (Bacillary Dysentery) • Salmonellosis (Salmonella
• Emerging Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Gastroenteritis) • Typhoid Fever • Cholera • Noncholera
Protozoan Diseases of the Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Vibrios • Escherichia coli Gastroenteritis • Campylobacter
Systems 661 Gastroenteritis • Helicobacter Peptic Ulcer Disease • Yersinia
Gastroenteritis • Clostridium perfringens Gastroenteritis
Chagas’ Disease (American Trypanosomiasis) • Toxoplasmosis
• Clostridium difficile–Associated Diarrhea • Bacillus cereus
• Malaria • Leishmaniasis • Babesiosis
Gastroenteritis
Helminthic Disease of the Cardiovascular and Lymphatic
Viral Diseases of the Digestive System 724
Systems 668
Mumps • Hepatitis • Viral Gastroenteritis
Schistosomiasis
Fungal Diseases of the Digestive System 732
Disease of Unknown Etiology 670
Kawasaki Syndrome Protozoan Diseases of the Digestive System 733
Giardiasis • Cryptosporidiosis • Cyclospora Diarrheal Infection
Study Outline • Study Questions 671 • Amebic Dysentery (Amebiasis)
Helminthic Diseases of the Digestive System 735
24 icrobial Diseases of
M Tapeworms • Hydatid Disease • Nematodes
Study Outline • Study Questions 741
the Respiratory System 675
26
Structure and Function of the Respiratory System 676
icrobial Diseases
M
Normal Microbiota of the Respiratory System 677
MICROBIAL DISEASES OF THE UPPER RESPIRATORY
of the Urinary
SYSTEM 677 and Reproductive
Bacterial Diseases of the Upper Respiratory System 678 Systems 746
Streptococcal Pharyngitis (Strep Throat) • Scarlet Fever
• Diphtheria • Otitis Media Structure and Function of the Urinary System 747
Viral Disease of the Upper Respiratory System 680 Structure and Function of the Reproductive Systems 747
The Common Cold Normal Microbiota of the Urinary and Reproductive
MICROBIAL DISEASES OF THE LOWER RESPIRATORY Systems 748
SYSTEM 681 DISEASES OF THE URINARY SYSTEM 749
Bacterial Diseases of the Lower Respiratory System 681 Bacterial Diseases of the Urinary System 749
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) • Tuberculosis • Bacterial Cystitis • Pyelonephritis • Leptospirosis
Pneumonias • Melioidosis DISEASES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS 751
Viral Diseases of the Lower Respiratory System 694
Viral Pneumonia • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• Influenza (Flu)
PART FIVE Environmental
and Applied Microbiology Answers to Knowledge and Comprehension Questions AN-1
27
Appendix A Metabolic Pathways AP-1
nvironmental
E
Appendix B Exponents, Exponential Notation,
Microbiology 771 Logarithms, and Generation Time AP-3
Microbial Diversity and Habitats 772 Appendix C Methods for Taking Clinical Samples AP-5
Symbiosis
Appendix D Pronunciation of Scientific Names AP-7
Soil Microbiology and Biogeochemical Cycles 772
The Carbon Cycle • The Nitrogen Cycle • The Sulfur Cycle Appendix E Word Roots Used in Microbiology AP-9
• Life without Sunshine • The Phosphorus Cycle
• The Degradation of Synthetic Chemicals in Soil and Water
Appendix F Classification of Prokaryotes According
to Bergey’s Manual AP-13
Aquatic Microbiology and Sewage Treatment 780
Aquatic Microorganisms • The Role of Microorganisms in Water Glossary G-1
Quality • Water Treatment • Sewage (Wastewater) Treatment
Credits C-1
Study Outline • Study Questions 790
Index I-1
A Neurological Disease 625 21.3 Patchy Redness and Pimple-Like Conditions 587
A Sick Child 645 21.4 Microbial Diseases of the Eye 599
Outbreak 694 22.1 Meningitis and Encephalitis 615
A Foodborne Infection 717 22.2 Types of Arboviral Encephalitis 628
Survival of the Fittest 756 22.3 Microbial Diseases with Neurological Symptoms
or Paralysis 632
Applications of Microbiology 23.1 Human-Reservoir Infections 643
23.2 Infections from Animal Reservoirs Transmitted by Direct
Designer Jeans: Made by Microbes? 3
Contact 649
Bioremediation—Bacteria Clean Up Pollution 31
23.3 Infections Transmitted by Vectors 650
What is that Slime? 54
23.4 Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers 662
Why Microbiologists Study Termites 94
23.5 Infections Transmitted by Soil and Water 668
Life in the Extreme 153
24.1 Microbial Diseases of the Upper Respiratory
Mass Deaths of Marine Mammals Spur Veterinary System 681
Microbiology 275
24.2 Common Bacterial Pneumonias 691
Bacteria and Insect Sex 297
24.3 Microbial Diseases of the Lower Respiratory
Streptococcus: Harmful or Helpful? 422 System 702
Serum Collection 462 25.1 Bacterial Diseases of the Mouth 712
Interleukin-12: The Next “Magic Bullet”? 471 25.2 Bacterial Diseases of the Lower Digestive System 726
Protection against Bioterrorism 648 25.3 Characteristics of Viral Hepatitis 728
A Safe Blood Supply 730 25.4 Viral Diseases of the Digestive System 733
Biosensors: Bacteria That Detect Pollutants and Pathogens 783 25.5 Fungal, Protozoan, and Helminthic Diseases of the Lower
From Plant Disease to Shampoo and Salad Dressing 801 Digestive System 737
26.1 Bacterial Diseases of the Urinary System 750
Diseases in Focus 26.2 Characteristics of the Most Common Types of Vaginitis
and Vaginosis 764
21.1 Macular Rashes 584
26.3 Microbial Diseases of the Reproductive Systems 766
21.2 Vesicular and Pustular Rashes 586
1T
The Microbial World and You
Microbes in Our Lives for medicine and the related health sciences. For example,
hospital workers must be able to protect patients from common
Learning Objective microbes that are normally harmless but pose a threat to the sick
1-1 List several ways in which microbes affect our lives. and injured.
Today we understand that microorganisms are found almost
For many people, the words germ and microbe bring to mind a
everywhere. Yet not long ago, before the invention of the micro-
group of tiny creatures that do not quite fit into any of the cat-
scope, microbes were unknown to scientists. Thousands of peo-
egories in that old question, “Is it animal, vegetable, or mineral?”
ple died in devastating epidemics, the causes and transmission
Microbes, also called microorganisms, are minute living things
of which were not understood. Entire families died because vac-
that individually are usually too small to be seen with the un-
cinations and antibiotics were not available to fight infections.
aided eye. The group includes bacteria, fungi (yeasts and molds),
We can get an idea of how our current concepts of microbi-
protozoa, and microscopic algae. It also includes viruses, those
ology developed by looking at a few historic milestones in mi-
noncellular entities sometimes regarded as straddling the border
crobiology that have changed our lives. First, however, we will
between life and nonlife (Chapters 11, 12, and 13, respectively).
look at the major groups of microbes and how they are named
We tend to associate these small organisms only with un-
and classified.
comfortable infections, with common inconveniences such as
spoiled food, or with major diseases such as AIDS. However, the Check Your Understanding
majority of microorganisms actually help maintain the balance ✓ Describe some of the destructive and beneficial actions of
of life in our environment. Marine and freshwater microorgan- microbes. 1-1*
isms form the basis of the food chain in oceans, lakes, and rivers.
Soil microbes help break down wastes and incorporate nitrogen
gas from the air into organic compounds, thereby recycling
Naming and Classifying
chemical elements among soil, water, living organisms, and air. Microorganisms
Certain microbes play important roles in photosynthesis, a food-
and oxygen-generating process that is critical to life on Earth. Learning Objectives
Humans and many other animals depend on the microbes in 1-2 Recognize the system of scientific nomenclature that uses
their intestines for digestion and the synthesis of some vitamins two names: a genus and a specific epithet.
that their bodies require, including some B vitamins for metab- 1-3 Differentiate the major characteristics of each group of
olism and vitamin K for blood clotting. microorganisms.
Microorganisms also have many commercial applications. 1-4 List the three domains.
They are used in the synthesis of such chemical products as
vitamins, organic acids, enzymes, alcohols, and many drugs.
For example, microbes are used to produce acetone and buta- Nomenclature
nol, and the vitamins B2 (riboflavin) and B12 (cobalamin) are The system of nomenclature (naming) for organisms in use
made biochemically. The process by which microbes produce today was established in 1735 by Carolus Linnaeus. Scientific
acetone and butanol was discovered in 1914 by Chaim Weiz- names are latinized because Latin was the language tradition-
mann, a Russian-born chemist working in England. With the ally used by scholars. Scientific nomenclature assigns each or-
outbreak of World War I in August of that year, the produc- ganism two names—the genus (plural: genera) is the first name
tion of acetone became very important for making cordite (a and is always capitalized; the specific epithet (species name)
smokeless form of gunpowder used in munitions). Weizmann’s follows and is not capitalized. The organism is referred to by
discovery played a significant role in determining the outcome both the genus and the specific epithet, and both names are
of the war. underlined or italicized. By custom, after a scientific name has
The food industry also uses microbes in producing, for been mentioned once, it can be abbreviated with the initial of
example, vinegar, sauerkraut, pickles, soy sauce, cheese, yogurt, the genus followed by the specific epithet.
bread, and alcoholic beverages. In addition, enzymes from mi- Scientific names can, among other things, describe an or-
crobes can now be manipulated to cause the microbes to produce ganism, honor a researcher, or identify the habitat of a species.
substances they normally don’t synthesize, including cellulose, For example, consider Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium com-
digestive aids, and drain cleaner, plus important therapeutic monly found on human skin. Staphylo- describes the clustered
substances such as insulin. Microbial enzymes may even have arrangement of the cells; -coccus indicates that they are shaped
helped produce your favorite pair of jeans (see the Applications like spheres. The specific epithet, aureus, is Latin for golden,
of Microbiology box).
Though only a minority of microorganisms are pathogenic *The numbers following Check Your Understanding questions refer to the corre-
(disease-producing), practical knowledge of microbes is necessary sponding Learning Objectives.
I see increasing reason to believe that the view formed some time
back as to the origin of the Makonde bush is the correct one. I have
no doubt that it is not a natural product, but the result of human
occupation. Those parts of the high country where man—as a very
slight amount of practice enables the eye to perceive at once—has not
yet penetrated with axe and hoe, are still occupied by a splendid
timber forest quite able to sustain a comparison with our mixed
forests in Germany. But wherever man has once built his hut or tilled
his field, this horrible bush springs up. Every phase of this process
may be seen in the course of a couple of hours’ walk along the main
road. From the bush to right or left, one hears the sound of the axe—
not from one spot only, but from several directions at once. A few
steps further on, we can see what is taking place. The brush has been
cut down and piled up in heaps to the height of a yard or more,
between which the trunks of the large trees stand up like the last
pillars of a magnificent ruined building. These, too, present a
melancholy spectacle: the destructive Makonde have ringed them—
cut a broad strip of bark all round to ensure their dying off—and also
piled up pyramids of brush round them. Father and son, mother and
son-in-law, are chopping away perseveringly in the background—too
busy, almost, to look round at the white stranger, who usually excites
so much interest. If you pass by the same place a week later, the piles
of brushwood have disappeared and a thick layer of ashes has taken
the place of the green forest. The large trees stretch their
smouldering trunks and branches in dumb accusation to heaven—if
they have not already fallen and been more or less reduced to ashes,
perhaps only showing as a white stripe on the dark ground.
This work of destruction is carried out by the Makonde alike on the
virgin forest and on the bush which has sprung up on sites already
cultivated and deserted. In the second case they are saved the trouble
of burning the large trees, these being entirely absent in the
secondary bush.
After burning this piece of forest ground and loosening it with the
hoe, the native sows his corn and plants his vegetables. All over the
country, he goes in for bed-culture, which requires, and, in fact,
receives, the most careful attention. Weeds are nowhere tolerated in
the south of German East Africa. The crops may fail on the plains,
where droughts are frequent, but never on the plateau with its
abundant rains and heavy dews. Its fortunate inhabitants even have
the satisfaction of seeing the proud Wayao and Wamakua working
for them as labourers, driven by hunger to serve where they were
accustomed to rule.
But the light, sandy soil is soon exhausted, and would yield no
harvest the second year if cultivated twice running. This fact has
been familiar to the native for ages; consequently he provides in
time, and, while his crop is growing, prepares the next plot with axe
and firebrand. Next year he plants this with his various crops and
lets the first piece lie fallow. For a short time it remains waste and
desolate; then nature steps in to repair the destruction wrought by
man; a thousand new growths spring out of the exhausted soil, and
even the old stumps put forth fresh shoots. Next year the new growth
is up to one’s knees, and in a few years more it is that terrible,
impenetrable bush, which maintains its position till the black
occupier of the land has made the round of all the available sites and
come back to his starting point.
The Makonde are, body and soul, so to speak, one with this bush.
According to my Yao informants, indeed, their name means nothing
else but “bush people.” Their own tradition says that they have been
settled up here for a very long time, but to my surprise they laid great
stress on an original immigration. Their old homes were in the
south-east, near Mikindani and the mouth of the Rovuma, whence
their peaceful forefathers were driven by the continual raids of the
Sakalavas from Madagascar and the warlike Shirazis[47] of the coast,
to take refuge on the almost inaccessible plateau. I have studied
African ethnology for twenty years, but the fact that changes of
population in this apparently quiet and peaceable corner of the earth
could have been occasioned by outside enterprises taking place on
the high seas, was completely new to me. It is, no doubt, however,
correct.
The charming tribal legend of the Makonde—besides informing us
of other interesting matters—explains why they have to live in the
thickest of the bush and a long way from the edge of the plateau,
instead of making their permanent homes beside the purling brooks
and springs of the low country.
“The place where the tribe originated is Mahuta, on the southern
side of the plateau towards the Rovuma, where of old time there was
nothing but thick bush. Out of this bush came a man who never
washed himself or shaved his head, and who ate and drank but little.
He went out and made a human figure from the wood of a tree
growing in the open country, which he took home to his abode in the
bush and there set it upright. In the night this image came to life and
was a woman. The man and woman went down together to the
Rovuma to wash themselves. Here the woman gave birth to a still-
born child. They left that place and passed over the high land into the
valley of the Mbemkuru, where the woman had another child, which
was also born dead. Then they returned to the high bush country of
Mahuta, where the third child was born, which lived and grew up. In
course of time, the couple had many more children, and called
themselves Wamatanda. These were the ancestral stock of the
Makonde, also called Wamakonde,[48] i.e., aborigines. Their
forefather, the man from the bush, gave his children the command to
bury their dead upright, in memory of the mother of their race who
was cut out of wood and awoke to life when standing upright. He also
warned them against settling in the valleys and near large streams,
for sickness and death dwelt there. They were to make it a rule to
have their huts at least an hour’s walk from the nearest watering-
place; then their children would thrive and escape illness.”
The explanation of the name Makonde given by my informants is
somewhat different from that contained in the above legend, which I
extract from a little book (small, but packed with information), by
Pater Adams, entitled Lindi und sein Hinterland. Otherwise, my
results agree exactly with the statements of the legend. Washing?
Hapana—there is no such thing. Why should they do so? As it is, the
supply of water scarcely suffices for cooking and drinking; other
people do not wash, so why should the Makonde distinguish himself
by such needless eccentricity? As for shaving the head, the short,
woolly crop scarcely needs it,[49] so the second ancestral precept is
likewise easy enough to follow. Beyond this, however, there is
nothing ridiculous in the ancestor’s advice. I have obtained from
various local artists a fairly large number of figures carved in wood,
ranging from fifteen to twenty-three inches in height, and
representing women belonging to the great group of the Mavia,
Makonde, and Matambwe tribes. The carving is remarkably well
done and renders the female type with great accuracy, especially the
keloid ornamentation, to be described later on. As to the object and
meaning of their works the sculptors either could or (more probably)
would tell me nothing, and I was forced to content myself with the
scanty information vouchsafed by one man, who said that the figures
were merely intended to represent the nembo—the artificial
deformations of pelele, ear-discs, and keloids. The legend recorded
by Pater Adams places these figures in a new light. They must surely
be more than mere dolls; and we may even venture to assume that
they are—though the majority of present-day Makonde are probably
unaware of the fact—representations of the tribal ancestress.
The references in the legend to the descent from Mahuta to the
Rovuma, and to a journey across the highlands into the Mbekuru
valley, undoubtedly indicate the previous history of the tribe, the
travels of the ancestral pair typifying the migrations of their
descendants. The descent to the neighbouring Rovuma valley, with
its extraordinary fertility and great abundance of game, is intelligible
at a glance—but the crossing of the Lukuledi depression, the ascent
to the Rondo Plateau and the descent to the Mbemkuru, also lie
within the bounds of probability, for all these districts have exactly
the same character as the extreme south. Now, however, comes a
point of especial interest for our bacteriological age. The primitive
Makonde did not enjoy their lives in the marshy river-valleys.
Disease raged among them, and many died. It was only after they
had returned to their original home near Mahuta, that the health
conditions of these people improved. We are very apt to think of the
African as a stupid person whose ignorance of nature is only equalled
by his fear of it, and who looks on all mishaps as caused by evil
spirits and malignant natural powers. It is much more correct to
assume in this case that the people very early learnt to distinguish
districts infested with malaria from those where it is absent.
This knowledge is crystallized in the
ancestral warning against settling in the
valleys and near the great waters, the
dwelling-places of disease and death. At the
same time, for security against the hostile
Mavia south of the Rovuma, it was enacted
that every settlement must be not less than a
certain distance from the southern edge of the
plateau. Such in fact is their mode of life at the
present day. It is not such a bad one, and
certainly they are both safer and more
comfortable than the Makua, the recent
intruders from the south, who have made USUAL METHOD OF
good their footing on the western edge of the CLOSING HUT-DOOR
plateau, extending over a fairly wide belt of
country. Neither Makua nor Makonde show in their dwellings
anything of the size and comeliness of the Yao houses in the plain,
especially at Masasi, Chingulungulu and Zuza’s. Jumbe Chauro, a
Makonde hamlet not far from Newala, on the road to Mahuta, is the
most important settlement of the tribe I have yet seen, and has fairly
spacious huts. But how slovenly is their construction compared with
the palatial residences of the elephant-hunters living in the plain.
The roofs are still more untidy than in the general run of huts during
the dry season, the walls show here and there the scanty beginnings
or the lamentable remains of the mud plastering, and the interior is a
veritable dog-kennel; dirt, dust and disorder everywhere. A few huts
only show any attempt at division into rooms, and this consists
merely of very roughly-made bamboo partitions. In one point alone
have I noticed any indication of progress—in the method of fastening
the door. Houses all over the south are secured in a simple but
ingenious manner. The door consists of a set of stout pieces of wood
or bamboo, tied with bark-string to two cross-pieces, and moving in
two grooves round one of the door-posts, so as to open inwards. If
the owner wishes to leave home, he takes two logs as thick as a man’s
upper arm and about a yard long. One of these is placed obliquely
against the middle of the door from the inside, so as to form an angle
of from 60° to 75° with the ground. He then places the second piece
horizontally across the first, pressing it downward with all his might.
It is kept in place by two strong posts planted in the ground a few
inches inside the door. This fastening is absolutely safe, but of course
cannot be applied to both doors at once, otherwise how could the
owner leave or enter his house? I have not yet succeeded in finding
out how the back door is fastened.