Bacteria Flashcards
What is the structure of bacteria?
No nucleus with a vast array of morphologies
What is the next step in gram staining after heat fixing?
Staining with crystal violet
What are the 4 staining stages of gram staining?
Crystal violet, iodine, alcohol and safranin
What colour are gram positive cells after gram staining?
Purple
What is the name for organisms that are either gram + or gram - depending on growth conditions?
Gram variable
What does a gram positive cell wall contain?
90% peptidoglycan and teichoic acid
Where are luxury genes found in bacteria cells?
Plasmid
What is transformation?
Recipient cells acquire DNA
What is a cell that can be transformed called?
A competent cell
What is conjugation?
Plasmid can be passed from one cell to another. Cell contact is required and is initiated by the pilus on the donor cell
What is it called when cell walls fuse?
Conjugation bridge
How many strands are transferred in conjugation?
1 strand which is replicated in recipient cell to become a double strand
What is transduction?
Tail fibres of virus attach to bacteria, inject DNA and break down bacterial chromosomes and take over cell
What is Clostridium an example of?
Endospores
What is it called when species produce internal spores?
Endospores
