Bacteriology Flashcards
Define BACTERIA
Bacteria are microscopic, single celled organisms that are found anywhere in or on the body. Bacteria are living - they reproduce and need to eat.
What are the three basic shapes of bacteria?
Rod shaped, round shaped, spiral shaped
How do bacteria reproduce?
By making copies of themselves by dividing in half. They produce asexually through binary fission. Some have a generation time of around 20 minutes. Optimal conditions may result in 1 million bacteria in 7 hours for some species.
What are the different types of extreme bacteria?
Psychrophile, mesophile, thermophile
Define a PSYCHROPHILE
A psychrophile is a type of extremophobic bacteria that are cold loving. They have an optimal temp for growth of 10-20 degrees.
Define a MESOPHILE
A mesophile is a type of bacteria that grows best in moderate temps. Typically between 20 and 45 degrees.
Define a THERMOPHILE
A thermophile is a type of extremobphobic bacteria that thrives on extremely high temps. Between 45 and 70 degrees.
What is the optimum pH level for bacteria/funghi?
Bacteria - 6-8
Funghi - 5-6
What are the stages of bacteria growth?
The lag phase
Exponential growth phase
Stationary phase
Death phase
How do bacteria eat?
- some photosynthesise
- some are symbiotic (two organisms live closely to one another and help each other to survive).
- some are pathogens and live off other living things
What are some bacterial diseases of the horse?
- Round bacteria - mud fever, strangles, dermatitis
- Spiral bacteria - lyme disease
- Rod bacteria - septicaemia, septic shock, anthrax