Far From the Truth
Far from the truth
Often presumed that only important because they cause disease, this is far from the truth.
New applications for Microorganisms
@ Interferon, insulin, human growth hormone, blood clotting factors, and enzymes that dissolve blood clots and thick mucus in cystic fibrosis patients can be produced by microorganisms.
@ Microorganisms are being developed to produce vaccines against rabies, gonorrhea, herpes, leprosy, malaria and hepatitis.
@ Bacteria can destroy such chemical pollutants as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDT, which contaminate soil and waters. They are also being used to assist the clean up of oil spills.
New applications for Microorganisms
@ A bacterium is being used to make plants resistant to insect attacks, viral diseases, and frost.
@ Bacteria can synthesize a variety of different compounds that can be used in various ways, such as cellulose used in stereo headset; hydroxybutyric acid, used to make disposable diapers biodegradable; and ethanol, used in gasoline to reduce smog.
@ Bananas genetically engineered by a bacterium may be used as vaccines to prevent certain diarrheal diseases in children
Important molecules in cells
Macromolecules
Functions
Important molecules in cells
Small molecules
Functions
Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic
0.3-2um
1-4(all identical)
No
Unique chemical components
No intracellular organelles
No
No
70S
Eukaryotic
2-20um
>1 (all different)
Yes
Not always present, usually many different components (yeast>citin)
Yes
In some cells
80S
Features of cells
Size (diameter)
Genetic structure
Chromosomal nos.
Nuclear membrane
Cell wall
Cytoplasmic structures
Mitochondria
Chloroplasts
Ribosomes
Some Cell Type Appear to be Intermediate Between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
Prokaryotes can be divided into two major groups
- Grow in environments in which most organisms can not survive