Is taking inorganic chemistry going to help you much in microbiology?

Question

For a student who has taken both courses

Answer 1

If this is the only reason for taking the chemistry then no. I think it is very helpful to understand the general nature of the different chemical bonds, and why different elements can bond in different ways.

However, the complexity in biological molecules goes so much further beyond inorganic.

I did take a course at my Jr. college that was a one term course on organic chemistry specifically for nursing students, it just hit the highlights of things, and focused on general principles. I would recommend something like that. But it probably had a prerequisite of inorganic.

If you will be getting a BA in biology, or getting an RN, I would recommend some organic chemistry, or biochemistry. But if you are just doing something like a 2 year program for a lab tech, and your program doesn't require it, I wouldn't bother.

Studying inorganic chemistry for microbiology, is somewhat like studying woodworking in order to build stuff with tinker toys. You will see something and say that makes sense, and it may come a little bit easier, but biochemistry uses only a very few different elements, and relies on geometry and structure to give them their function. Inorganic chemistry gives you a brief introduction to all the possible players.

You might start building a reference library, and grab some cheap fairly recent chemistry books for it. I consider anything less than 10 years old or 2 editions back to be current enough to be useful. Then you'll have it in case you want to dip into it. You should be able to pick up old texts at thrift shops and garage sales for less then $10, $15 max. Heck, I've even picked them up at for free at book buy back time. People just dump them. As a student you know how worthless the old edition becomes when a revision comes out!

Answer 2

It depends what kind of microbiology you're taking (probably more valuable in industrial or environmental microbiology). Many bacteria metabolize inorganic compounds in redox reactions.
From my experience, higher levels of microbiology don't involve too much chemistry in the equation and reaction sense. It's more about genetics, enzymes and proteins (thus, organic chemistry is a little more valuable).

Answer 3

it'll help you get into med school. maybe. that's about it. take organic. it's more useful.

Answer 4

NO, but it will teach you how to study your butt off!!!

Answer 5

~Only if you plan to study dead or inanimate microbes.