Basic bacteriology Flashcards
What is the function of peptidoglycan?
Gives rigid support, protects against osmotic pressure
What is the chemical composition of peptidoglycan?
Sugar backbone with peptide side chains cross-linked by transpeptidase.
What is the function of cell walls / cell membranes of gram positive bacteria?
Major surface antigen.
What is the chemical composition of cell wall / cell membrane of gram positive bacteria?
Peptidoglycan for support. Lipoteichoic acid induces TNF and IL-1.
What is the function of the outer membrane of gram negative bacteria?
Site of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide), major surface antigen.
What is the chemical composition of the outer membrane of gram negative bacteria?
Lipid A (induces TNF and IL-1), and O polysaccharide (antigen).
What is the function of the plasma membrane?
Site of oxidative and transport enzymes.
What is the chemical composition of the plasma membrane?
Phospholipid bilayer.
What is the function of the ribosome?
Protein synthesis.
What is the chemical composition of the ribosome?
50s and 30s subunits.
What is periplasm?
Space between cytoplasmic membrane and outer membrane in gram-negative bacteria.
What is contained within the periplasm?
Hydrolytic enzymes including beta-lactamases.
What is the function of the capsule?
Protects against phagocytosis.
What is the capsule composed of?
Polysaccharide.
What is the function of the pilus/fimbria?
Adherence of bacteria to cell surface.
What is the pilus/fimbria composed of?
Glycoprotein
What is the function of the flagellum?
Mobility
What is the composition of the flagellum?
Protein
What is the function of a bacterial spore?
Resistant to dehydration, heat, and chemicals.
What is the chemical composition of a bacterial spore?
Keratin-like coat, dipicolinic acid, peptidoglycan.
What is the function of a plasmid?
Contains genes for antibiotic resistance, enzymes, and toxins.
What is the chemical composition of a plasmid?
DNA
What is the function of a glycocalyx?
Adherence of bacteria to surfaces, especially foreign surfaces (e.g. catheters).
What is the chemical composition of a glycocalyx?
Polysaccharide.
What is the morphology of a coccus?
Circular
Name the two main gram-positive cocci.
Staphylococcus and streptococcus.
Name the main gram-negative coccus.
Neisseria
What is the morphology of a bacillus?
Rod
Which gram-positive bacilli is acid fast?
Mycobacterium
Name the 3 classes of gram-negative bacilli.
Enterics
Respiratory
Zoonotic
Which bacteria displays branching filamentous morphology?
Actinomyces Nocardia
Name the two pleomorphic bacteria.
Rickettsiae
Chlamydiae
Name the 3 spiral bacteria.
The spirochetes:
Borrelia
Leptospira
Treponema
What bacteria does not gram stain. Why?
Mycoplasma (lacks a cell wall)