Bacteria Basics Flashcards
What distinguishes bacteria from eukaryotes?
Nucleus is not surrounded by nuclear membrane. Distinctively smaller.
Role of Bacterial Cytoplasmic Membrane
Limits cytoplasm. Made up of phospholipids and protein. Usually supported by cell wall.
Role of Bacterial Cell Wall
Provides characteristic shape and prevents osmotic lysis. Important site of some antimicrobials.
Structure of Cell Wall
Peptidoglycan v. important. Contains linear chains of N.acetylglucosamine and N-acetyl muramic acid.
Gram Negative bacteria stain…
Pink
Gram Negative bacteria structure…
Thinner cell wall. Contain outer membrane which contains Endotoxin (with Lipid A, core and O side chain). This disrupts mammalian cells.
Gram Positive bacteria stain…
Purple
Gram Positive bacteria structure…
Thicker cells wall, made up of Peptidoglycan. Some cell walls also contain teichoic acids.
Pathogenicity is…
Ability of infectious agent to cause disease.
Virulence is…
Measure of Pathogenicity.
Pathogenesis is…
Process of disease progression.
Commensals are…
Microorganisms which naturally reside on the body causing no harm.
An opportunistic pathogen is…
A pathogen only capable of causing disease when allowed to do so in particular circumstances.
