102: Microbiology

Question 1

What is microbiology?

Answer 1

The study (ology) of small (micro) living (bio) organisms called microbes, such as bacteria

Question 2

List and define the two types of bacteria.

Answer 2

1. Nonpathogenic: Non-disease-producing bacteria

2. Pathogenic: Disease-producing bacteria

Question 3

True or false: 70% of all bacteria are nonpathogenic

Answer 3

True

Question 4

What type of pathogenic bacteria can be described by spherical (round-shaped) bacterial cells, which appear singularly or in groups?

Answer 4

Cocci

Question 5

What type of pathogenic bacteria can be described by pus-forming bacterial cells
that form as grape-like bunches or in clusters?

Answer 5

Staphylococci

Question 6

What type of pathogenic bacteria can be described by pus-forming bacterial cells
that form in long chains and can cause septicemia (sometimes called blood poisoning), strep throat, rheumatic fever and other serious infections?

Answer 6

Streptococci

Question 7

What type of pathogenic bacteria can be described by bacterial cells that grow in pairs and are the cause of certain infections, including pneumonia?

Answer 7

Diplococci

Question 8

What type of pathogenic bacteria can be described by being the most common form of bacterial cells, bar- or rod-shaped?

Answer 8

Bacilli

Question 9

What type of pathogenic bacteria can be described by spiraled, coiled, corkscrew-shaped bacterial cells that cause highly contagious diseases such as syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD); cholera; and Lyme disease?

Answer 9

Spirilla

Question 10

Describe the “active stage” in the bacteria growth cycle.

Answer 10

Bacteria reproduce and grow rapidly.
Reproduction usually takes place in dark, damp or dirty areas where a food source is available.
As the bacteria absorb food, each cell grows in size and divides, creating two new cells­­—similar to the budding process in plants.

Question 11

Describe the “inactive stage” in the bacteria growth cycle.

Answer 11

Bacteria are not always active; when conditions are unfavorable, the cells die or become inactive.
Some bacteria, such as anthrax and tetanus, also have a normal inactive or dormant stage. When the environment makes the bacteria’s survival difficult, some bacteria enter this inactive stage by creating spherical spores.
Bacteria that form spores can only be destroyed by sterilization or the use of a product labeled as sporicidal (able to kill spores). Spore bacteria do not pose a threat to the salon environment.
Other bacteria can survive for a long time in extreme heat or cold. When conditions again become favorable for the bacteria’s growth, the bacteria return to the active stage.

Question 12

What are “flagella” and which types of bacteria has them?

Answer 12

Bacilli and spirilla have the ability to move by themselves by using hair-like projections called flagella (flah-JEL-ah) or cilia (SIL-ee-a), which extend from the sides of the cell.
A wave-like motion from flagella and a rowing-like motion from cilia can easily propel the cell through a liquid.

Question 13

What is a virus?

Answer 13

Sub-microscopic particle (much smaller than bacteria) that causes familiar diseases like the common cold, requires living hosts, and are not treatable with antibiotics.

Question 14

What are external parasites?

Answer 14

Organisms that live on or obtain their nutrients from another organism called a host.

Question 15

What is biofilm?

Answer 15

A type of slime that is created when a bacterial colony and water are present. The sticky nature of the colony adds to its growth and difficulty to remove.

Question 16

What are the five types of infection?

Answer 16

1. Direct Transmission (direct contact)
2. Indirect Transmission
3. Contagious Infection
4. Micro-Organisms
5. Bloodborne Pathogens
   6.

Question 17

What are the six signs of infection?

Answer 17

Pain, swelling, redness, local fever (heat), throbbing and discharge.

Question 18

Define the two classes of infection.

Answer 18

A local infection is located in a small, confined area. This is often indicated by a pus-filled boil, pimple or inflamed area.
To remember, think local = little.
A general (or systemic) infection occurs when the circulatory system carries bacteria and their toxins to all parts of the body.
To remember, think general = giant.

Question 19

What is an asymptomatic carrier?

Answer 19

A person who carries disease-producing bacteria or viruses with no recognizable symptoms of the disease.

Question 20

Define the two types of immunity.

Answer 20

Active immunity results when exposure to a disease organism triggers the immune system to produce antibodies to that disease.
Passive immunity is provided when a person is given antibodies to a disease rather than producing them through his or her own immune system.