Ch. 1 - The Microbial World Flashcards
What is a microbe (microorganism)?
What is required to see a microbe?
organism too small to be seen with the unaided eye
req. high magnification using microscope
What are the four major groups of microbes?
BVFP
- bacteria
- viruses
- fungi
- parasites
What is the study of bacteria called?
Give an example of a bacteria
bacteriology
E. coli
What is the study of viruses called?
Give an example of viruses
virology
HIV
Herpes virus
What is the study of fungi called?
Give an example of fungi
mycology
mold = cold = multicellular
yeast = warm = unicellular
What is the study of parasites called?
Give an example of parasites
parasitology
protozoan parasite
worms
Are microbes always harmful? Why or why not?
No, less than 1% of the time microbes can be harmful. 99% of the time microbes are beneficial to humans
What are the four important roles that microbes play that are beneficial to humans?
- ecological roles
- bioremediation
- commercial uses
- applications in medicine
Ecological roles of microbes refers to the __________ _________ of microbes in the _________
natural role
environment
List and describe the three ecological roles of microbes.
What microbes facilitate the different types of ecological roles?
How are these roles beneficial to humans?
Decomposers of organic waste (ex: dead tree) - bacteria and fungi - breakdown waste and recycle elements back into nature
Photosynthesis - bacteria (cyanobacteria) and protozoa (algae) - produce oxygen
Nitrogen Fixation - bacteria in environment (roots in soil) capture free N2 and convert it into nitrates used in plant development -> humans eat plants
Bioremediation refers to the __________ _________ of microbes in the _________
non-natural (artificial) role
environment
Explain what we mean when we say that bioremediation refers to a non-natural role of microbes
it’s an artificial process developed by human needs where microbes are introduced into an area that they are not originally found in
Generally describe how bioremediation can be beneficial to humans
certain bacteria can use pollutants as an energy source or can produce enzymes that breakdown toxic waste
Provide examples of how bioremediation is used today
oil spills - bacteria are artificially introduced into oceans to breakdown/remove oil (toxic substance) from the ocean
fixes drained clogs - bacterial enzymes are found in drain cleaners that help to remove clogs without adding harmful chemicals to the environment
Commercial uses of microbes refers to the role of microbes…
in the food and beverage industry
Which microbial groups are commercially used?
Name specific examples
bacteria
- dairy products (cheese,yogurt)
- cosmetic procedures (Botox)
fungi (yeast)
- alcoholic beverages (wine,beer)
- breads