Microbial Groups Flashcards
Why is nitrogen hard to utilise and how do living organisms get around this
Nitrogen has a triple bond. Living organisms use nitrogen from organic compounds or solutions
what is bacteria’s role in the nitrogen cycle
bacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen into organically or inorganically combined nitrogen. They can do this freely or with plants
bacteria can degrade living organisms to release ammonia which can then be oxidised into nitrite then to nitrate (vital as ammonia is toxic)
Some bacteria use nitrate as electron acceptor instead of oxygen which releases nitrogen (called denitirification)
what are mushrooms
fungi reproductive system
What kind of microbe metabolism system are fungi
heterotrophs
How do fungi consume their carbon
They release aggressive enzymes that digest very tough organic material such as lignin and cellulose. They absorb this digested organic material through their hypha making them saprophytic.
Why and how do fungi attack bacteria
Bacteria are potential competitors so fungi can release antibiotics to combat bacteria
What is the structure of fungi
Eukaryotes that possess a tough cell wall to penetrate into organic material
What are the two types of algae
planktonic-suspended
benthic-attached
What can cause eutrophication in algae filled water
High nitrogen or phosphorous content
how do protozoa consume carbon
Engulf and digest organic material
why are protozoa dangerous to humans
They can act as parasites
How do viruses reproduce
release virions filled with genetic material in a protein coating into cells
