Bacteria Flashcards
Which of the following is not a function of the membrane proteins?
Transportation, Fluidity, Sensors, Secretions + Osmosis
Fluidity
For bacteria, the proton driven ATP synthase is located in the mitochondria. T/F
False, it is located in the cell membrane.
What are the four membrane lipids found in bacteria?
- cardiolipin
- plamitic and oleic acid
- cyclopropane fatty acids
- hopanoids
Match the following terms:
1. cardiolipin
2. palmitic and oleic acid
3. cyclopropane fatty acid
4. hopanoids
a) similar to cholesterol; stabilizes membrane in all temperatures
b) adds fluidity to membrane in cold temperatures
c) binds to certain environmental stress proteins in the cell poles. found in bacteria only
d) stiffens cell membrane
Cardiolipin: binds to certain environmental stress proteins in the cell poles. found in bacteria only
Palmitic and oleic acid: adds fluidity to membrane in cold temperatures
Cyclopropane fatty acid: stiffens cell membrane
Hopanoids: similar to cholesterol; stabilizes membrane in all temperatures
The three main functions of the bacterial cell membrane are:
Briefly describe each one!
- Permeability barrier - gateway for transportation + prevents leakage
- Protein anchor - hold transport proteins in place
- Energy conservation - generation of proton motive force
The majority of bacterial cell membrane lipids have the following basic structure: a ________ molecule linked to two _______ acids via
an ______ bond, and a _________ head group.
Glycerol, fatty, ester, phosphoryl
How does the cell wall protect the bacteria from a hypotonic solution (fresh water)?
Cell wall counteracts OSMOTIC PRESSURE to prevent swelling and lysis.
Bacterial cell wall is made of a single interlinked molecule called the peptidoglycan. T/F
True!
What is the peptidoglycan structure composed of?
Alternating modified glucose
- NAG (N-acetylglucosamine) and NAM (N-acetylmuranic acid) in b-1,4 linkages
Amino acids
- L-alanine, D-alanine, D-glutamic acid, and either L-lysine or diaminopimelic acid (DAP)
Why is human secretion a major defence against bacterial infections?
Contains lysozyme which breaks the B-1,4 linkages of the peptidoglycan
Why are enzymes involved in the formation of peptidoglycan a great target for antibiotics? Describe how penicillin and vancomycin works.
enzymes involved in the formation of peptidoglycan are a great target for antibiotics because peptidoglycan is unique to bacteria!
penicillin inhibits transpeptidase which cross-links the peptides
vancomycin prevents cross-bridge formation by binding to the substrate of transpeptidase (the terminal D-Ala-D-Ala dipeptide)
To form a gram (+) cell wall, there is a ________ between the two peptidoglycans.
To form a gram (-) cell wall, there is a ________ between the two peptidoglycans.
Pentaglycine interbridge
A peptide crosslink; a direct bridge
While the gram-positive is a thick layer located on top of the plasma membrane, the gram-negative is….
a thin layer, sandwiched between the outer and inner membrane
Why is the gram-positive a thick layer?
Because it has multiple layers of peptidoglycan.
What are teichoic acids and where are they found?
A negatively charged glycopolymer that generates proton motive force
Helps with rigidity and cell shape
Protects against high temps + high [salt] + antibiotics like b-lactams
Found in a gram-positive cell wall
How are lipoteichoic acids different than teichoic acids?
Lipotechoic acids are covalently bound to membrane lipids
What do lipopolysaccharides (LPS) consist of and where are they found?
LPS consists of core
polysaccharide:
• O-polysaccharide
• and lipid A (which is toxic to us, as the immune system reacts violently to it)
Found in a gram-negative cell wall
What are the 4 types of stains? Briefly describe each one
- Gram stain (most widely used, gram + is blue, gram - is pink)
- Acid-fast stain (carbolfuchsin used to stain Mycobacterium)
- Spore stain (malachite green used to detect spores)
- Negative stain (colours the bg, makes spores more visible)
Match the following terms:
- Bactericidal
- Bacteriostatic
- Nosocomial infection
A. Requires hospital care
B. Kills bacteria
C. Inhibits growth
Bactericidal: kills bacteria
Bacteriostatic: inhibits growth
Nosocomial infection: requires hospital care