Bacterial Structure and Classification Flashcards
- Identify the different shapes and organization of bacteria - Recall the difference between animal and bacterial cells - Recall bacterial structural components and their biological roles - Describe the difference between Gram + and Gram - bacteria - Recall the basis of bacterial classification
The classification of bacteria is mostly determined by ?
structure
Two major shapes of bacteria are
bacilli (rods)
cocci (spheres)
What are chains of cocci called?
streptococci
What are cocci in pairs called?
diplococci
What are grape like clusters of cocci called?
staphylococci
What are the supreme infectious bacteria?
staphylococci
What are the comma-shaped bacteria called?
Vibrio
What does Vibrio Cholerae cause?
watery diarrhea
What are corkscrew-shaped bacteria called?
spirilli
What are some key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
(shape, organelles, DNA, membrane, etc)
Bacteria are smaller, lack organelles, lack nucleus, single/ circular DNA, lack introns and histones, cell wall w/ peptidoglycan.
Bacteria have cell walls composed of peptidoglycan. Why is it important to know this?
Because it is only unique to bacteria, thus serve as a MAJOR target for antimicrobial therapy. Animal cells do not have a cell wall, fungi have cell wall composed of chitin, and plants’ cell wall is made up of cellulose.
Describe the cell wall composition and structure of Gram + bacteria
thick, heavy crossed link. Peptidoglycan is the external layers. 50% is composed of teichoic acid or lipoteichoic acid. (polymers of glycerol Phosphate or ribitol phosphate)
Describe the cell wall composition and structure of Gram - bacteria
thin, lightly crossed-linked
they have a second, outer membrane composed of LPS (lipopolysaccharides). Peptidoglycan layer is the inner layer.
In bacteria cell lipid bilayer membrane, normally what do they lack in the membrane in comparison to eukaryotic cells?
sterol
Besides drug targeting the rigidity and structure of the bacterial cell wall, what are other drug targets?
ribosomes 30S, 50S, 70S.
RNA pol
topoisomerase
What are the purposes of pili? Why is it important in pathogenesis?
“sex pilus” is used to transmit genetic material from one bacterium to another during conjugation. Major role in pathogenesis is to attach bacteria to host cell surfaces. W/o it it is hard to start colonization.
What are flagella?
whip-like structures that allow bacteria to move “swim”.
Note: bacteria bearing H-antigen is used in serotyping.
What are capsules? What is their purpose?
external structures composed of either polysaccharides or polypeptides
To protect encapsulated bacteria from phagocytosis.
What is common to all bacteria that cause meningitis?
they contain capsules.
How can capsules be seen?
They are seen by their ability to exclude dye.
When are spores from Gram + rods released?
in response to stress or nutrient limitation
What are spores?
dehydrated, dormant forms that allowed potential pathogens to survive during harsh conditions. Ex. bacillus species
What is special about the outer membrane of Gram - bacteria?
they are negatively charged because of LPS and allows bacteria to evade phagocytosis, hinders antibiotic uptake, and avoid complement response.
What is the space between the outer and inner membrane of Gram - bacteria?
periplasmic space
True or false, periplasm contains degradative enzymes that can destroy some antibiotics?
True
What is Lipid A and where is it found? Also, what is the innate immune response to it?
It is a toxic phospholipid (endotoxin) found in LPS. It is recognized by the innate immune response to illicit a cytokine storm causing sepsis “septic shock”