In this assessment, you will analyze classifications of microorganisms. In a lab, there are five procedures microbiologists use to analyze microbes: inoculation, incubation, isolation, inspection, and identification.

Scenario

Imagine you have been working in the lab for several years, so you have a wide range of experiences using these methods to analyze different pathogenic microbes. Because of your vast knowledge, your supervisor has asked you to create a brochure for teaching new lab assistants how to identify some common pathogenic microbes.

Assessment Preparation

Review the pathogenic microbes you learned about this week (e.g., C.difficile, Staphylococcus, Legionella pneumophila, Campylobacter jejuni, Streptomyces, Aspergillus, Coccidioides, Candida albicans, Trypanosoma, Herpes simplex, Adenoviridae, Papillomavirus, Coronaviridae, Hepatitis viruses, Influenza viruses, Norovirus, etc.).

Select 3 pathogenic microbes (only 1 from each of the following categories: bacteria, fungus, protozoa, virus, or helminth) to include in your brochure. In other words, you can’t select 3 bacteria. You must select a variety that includes bacteria, fungus, protozoa, virus, or helminth.

Assessment Deliverable

Create a 6-panel brochure in which you analyze the 3 pathogenic microbes you selected. For your brochure, you should:

Identify the domain, kingdom, phyla, order, family, genus, and species.
Describe the cellular composition (structure/size/color).
Explain the method of cellular metabolism.
Identify the mechanism used for motility.
Explain the method of cellular reproduction.
Discuss differences in cell components (i.e., DNA, fatty acids, pigments, antigens, quinones, etc.).
Explain the colonial morphology.