Classification of Microorganisms

What is a Microorganism?
A microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or fungus.

Why are Microorganisms classified?
They are classified into taxonomic categories to facilitate research and help up understand them more easily.

How are organisms named?
Each organism has two names. A genus name and specific epithet or species name. Both are always either underlined or italicized. The genus is always capitalized and the species is lowercase.

What is Bergey's manual ?
It is the main source for identifying bacteria. It holds many characteristics of identified and classified bacteria. The source and habitat of microorganisms is always a huge part of identifying them.

Why is staining useful?
Gram and acid fast staining are very useful in identifying Microorganisms. Doctors can start prescribing antibiotics given the gram stain of a potential pathogen.

What is morphology?
Is useful for higher organisms but not so far microorganisms. Different species of Microorganisms are either rod or cocci shaped. Meaning round shaped.

What is Ribosomal RNA sequencing?
The process of determining the sequence content of the nucleic acids that make up the ribosome. Ribosomes are macromolecules that build protein to keep the cell running. They are made up of RNA and a variety of proteins that help the RNA work more efficiently.

In closing, Bergey's manual is a classic method. It describes affiliated groups of bacteria and archaea based on a few easily observed microscopic and physiologic characteristics. Further identification requires biochemical tests which will distinguish genera among families. Where in the 1980's Woese began phylogenetic analysis of all forms of cellular life based on Ribosomal RNA Sequencing. Since then we have evolved and now use Bergey's manual for identification.

CREDITS

• Baron,E. (2013). All About Microorganisms. Retrieved September 22,2015.