Microbiology
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, microbial genetics, antimicrobials, and host-pathogen interactions
Written and reviewed by the Study Mondo Education TeamLast updated
📂 Subtopics in Microbiology
Select a subtopic below to start studying
🎯⭐ INTERACTIVE LESSON
Try the Interactive Version!
Learn step-by-step with practice exercises built right in.
Microbiology for the MCAT
Bacteria
- Prokaryotic, cell wall (peptidoglycan)
- Gram+: Thick peptidoglycan (purple); Gram−: Thin + outer membrane (pink)
- Shapes: cocci (spheres), bacilli (rods), spirilla (spirals)
- Binary fission (asexual, rapid)
Viruses
- Obligate intracellular parasites; DNA or RNA genome
- Lytic: Replicate immediately, lyse cell
- Lysogenic: Integrate into host genome
- Retroviruses (HIV): RNA → DNA via reverse transcriptase
Microbial Genetics
- Transformation: Uptake of free DNA
- Transduction: DNA transfer via bacteriophage
- Conjugation: Direct transfer via pilus (F-plasmid)
- Plasmids often carry antibiotic resistance genes
Antimicrobials
- Target cell wall (penicillin), protein synthesis (tetracycline), DNA (fluoroquinolones)
- Resistance: mutation or horizontal gene transfer
Explain using:
🎴
Practice with Flashcards
Rate this topic's cards with spaced repetition. Cards join your deck when you finish a topic's lesson and take its exit quiz.
📖
Browse All Topics
Explore more MCAT Prep topics
📌 Related Topics in Biological & Biochemical Foundations
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microbiology?▾
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, microbial genetics, antimicrobials, and host-pathogen interactions
How can I study Microbiology effectively?▾
Start by reading the study notes and working through the examples on this page. Then use the flashcards to test your recall. Regular review and active practice are key to retention.
Is this Microbiology study guide free?▾
Yes — all study notes, flashcards, and practice problems for Microbiology on Study Mondo are free to access. No account is needed.
What course covers Microbiology?▾
Microbiology is part of the MCAT Prep course on Study Mondo, specifically in the Biological & Biochemical Foundations section. You can explore the full course for more related topics and practice resources.