An Introduction to Bacteria Flashcards
Chromosome structure and function
Circular DNA called plasmids and packaged by DNA binding proteins
Cytoplasm structure and function
Gel-like matrix composed of water, enzymes, nutrients, wastes. Contains cell structures such as ribosomes, chromosome and plasmids
Cell wall structure and function
Protects bacterium from damage and maintains cell shape and is rigid
Ribosome structure and function
Found in cytoplasm and ER and involved in protein synthesis. Consist of 2 subunits (30s and 50s)
Penicillin Binding Protein function
Enzymes involved in peptidoglycan synthesis and targets for the antibiotic penicillin
Peptidoglycan structure and function
Back bone of cell wall which is a polymer that forms a mesh like layer outside the cell membrane
lipopolysaccharide structure and function
Large molecules composed of O-antigen found on the outer membrane of Gram negative bacteria
Capsule structure and fucntion
Virulence factor which protects bacteria from engulfment
Flagella structure and function
Whip-like structure which allows motility of the cell
Fimbriae structure and function
Short hair-like fibres that allow attachment
Plasmid structure and function
Circular extrachromosal pieces of DNA found in the cytoplasm of the cell
Bacteriophage structure and function
A type of virus that infects a bacteria
Spores structure and function
Metabolically dormant structure produced during unfavourable conditions by the process called sporulation
Spores are resistant to _____
Nutrition starvation, temperature, extreme Ph, antibiotics etc.
Sporulation process
Mother cell —> Fore spore —> Mother cell engulfs fore spore –> calcium enters spore to remove water –> protein coat forms–> exosporium –> lytic enzymes destroy mother cell = spore release
