Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, which are small life forms that include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

Culture media are nutrient solutions used to grow microorganisms in a controlled environment.

Autotrophs obtain carbon from inorganic sources (CO2), while heterotrophs derive carbon from organic compounds.

A pure culture is a laboratory culture that contains a single species of microorganism, free from contamination.

Sterilisation is the process of eliminating all living microorganisms, including spores, from surfaces, glassware, and culture media.

Pasteurisation involves heating liquids to a specific temperature to kill pathogenic microorganisms without fully sterilising the product.

Aseptic technique refers to procedures performed under sterile conditions to prevent contamination of cultures and environments.

The growth curve describes the growth of microbial populations over time with phases: lag, exponential, stationary, and decline.

Selective media are designed to encourage the growth of specific microorganisms while inhibiting others.

Generation time is the time required for a bacterial population to double in number during the exponential phase of growth.

Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch proposed the germ theory of disease, stating that microorganisms cause infectious diseases.

Growth factors are organic compounds, such as vitamins and amino acids, required in small amounts for the growth and multiplication of microorganisms.

Agar serves as a solidifying agent in culture media, providing a stable surface for microbial growth.

Differential media allow the distinction of different microorganisms based on their biological characteristics and appearance on the medium.

Factors affecting microbial growth include temperature, pH, oxygen levels, and nutrient availability.

Disinfection is the process of eliminating most pathogenic microorganisms from non-living objects, excluding spores.

Autoclaving is a sterilisation method using steam under pressure to effectively kill all forms of microbial life.

The lag phase is the initial period in the growth curve where microorganisms adapt to the new environment before cell division begins.

Antibiotics can be added to culture media as selective agents to inhibit the growth of specific microorganisms.