1 · Classification & Naming
Domain→
Kingdom→
Phylum→
Class→
Order→
Family→
Genus→
Species
Mnemonic — order“Dirty Kinky People Come Over For Group Sex.”
- Binomial system = two-word Latin name → Genus (capitalized) + species (lowercase), italicized (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus).
- 5 microorganism types: Bacteria · Viruses · Fungi · Protozoa · Algae
Mnemonic — the 5 types“Barely Visible Freaks Party Anywhere.”
2 · Cell Types
| Eukaryote | Prokaryote |
|---|
| Nucleus | Yes ✔ | No ✘ |
| DNA | In nucleus | In nucleoid |
| Organelles | Complex (mitochondria, membranes) | Ribosomes only |
| Examples | Fungi, protozoa, algae | Bacteria |
Mnemonic“Pro = no home; Eu = trust-fund mansion.”
3 · Bacterial Growth & Toxins
- Reproduce by asexual fission; form spores in harsh conditions.
1 Lag→
2 Exponential→
3 Stationary→
4 Death
Mnemonic — growth phases“Limp Erections Suddenly Die.”
| Toxin | Made by |
|---|
| Endotoxin | Gram-negative wall (released on death) |
| Exotoxin | Actively secreted by living bacteria |
Mnemonic — toxins“Inside job vs. the oversharer.” Endo = stays inside · Exo = exits & blabs.
4 · Infection Process
- 4 requirements: entry point · enough organisms · critical environment · compromised host.
- Transmission: contact · droplets · body fluids · contaminated objects (fomites).
Mnemonic — 4 requirements“Every Nasty Encounter Compromises.”
Incubation→
Prodromal→
Acute→
Convalescence
Mnemonic — infection phases“I’ll Pay After Cumming.”
5 · Identification & Microscopy
| Technique | What it does |
|---|
| Culture | Grows organisms to identify them |
| Gram stain | Splits bacteria into Gram-positive & Gram-negative |
| Acid-fast stain | Detects tough-walled organisms (e.g. TB) |
| Capsule stain | Highlights the protective capsule around some bacteria |
Mnemonic — Gram colors“Purple Puts Out · Pink Plays Hard-to-Get.” Gram-positive = purple · Gram-negative = pink/red.
Microscope partsObjective lenses (magnify) · condenser (focuses light up) · illuminator (light source).
6 · Nosocomial Infections
- Nosocomial = acquired in the hospital.
- Examples: surgical-site infections, cross-contamination.
Mnemonic“The hospital dick move.” You didn’t walk in with it.
Prevention: hand hygiene · aseptic technique · sanitation · antiseptics · isolation.
7 · Microbes & Diseases
Mnemonic — 3 shapes“Balls, Boys & Screws.” Cocci = balls · Bacilli = rods · Spirochetes = screws.
| Type | Key facts | Diseases |
|---|
| Bacteria | Cocci, bacilli, spirochetes | Staph infections, TB |
| Viruses | Non-living; inhalation, body fluids, vectors | HIV, hepatitis, HPV |
| Fungi | Multi- or uni-cellular; skin, nails, organs | Skin/nail/organ infections |
| Protozoa | Single-celled | Malaria |
8 · Immunity & Defense
| System | What it means | Remember |
|---|
| Innate | First-line: skin, mucous membranes, inflammation | Born with it — fast, non-specific |
| Adaptive | Antibody production | Active = you make them · Passive = given to you |
| Hypersensitivity | Allergies & autoimmune conditions | Over-reaction harming tissue/organs |
Mnemonic — immunity“Instant nut vs. the ex who memorized your moves.” Innate = instant · Adaptive = learns & remembers.