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University Medical Microbiology > Chapter 1 - 1.A > Flashcards

Chapter 1 - 1.A Flashcards

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USMLE® Step 1 flashcards Biology 101 flashcards
1
Q

Helminths

A

Multicellular animals whose mature form is visible to the naked eye. They are technically not a microorganism.

A term that designates all parasitic worms.

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2
Q

Acellular

A

not consisting of, divided into, or containing cells.

Examples are: Viruses and Prions

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3
Q

Algae

A

Photosynthetic, plantlike organisms that generally lack the complex structure of plants; they may be single-celled or multicellular and inhabit diverse habitats such as marine and freshwater environments, glaciers, and hot springs.

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4
Q

Bacteria

A

When capitalized, can refer to one of the three domains of living organisms proposed by Woese containing all nonarchaea prokaryotes.

Category of prokaryotes with peptidoglycan in their cell walls and circular chromosome(s). This group of small cells is widely distributed in the earth’s habitats.

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5
Q

Prion

A

A concocted word to denote “Proteinaceous infectious agent”; a cytopathic protein associated with the slow-virus spongiform encephalopathies of humans and animals.

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6
Q

Cytopathic

A

of, pertaining to, or producing damage to living cells.

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7
Q

Encephalopathy

A

a disease in which the functioning of the brain is affected by some agent or condition (such as viral infection or toxins in the blood).
“a picture of how these encephalopathies are transmitted”

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8
Q

Archaea

A

Prokaryotic single-celled organisms of primitive origin that have unusual anatomy, physiology, and genetics and live in harsh habitats; unusual anatomy, physiology, and genetics and live in harsh habitats; when capitalized (Archaea), the term refers to one of the three domains of living organisms as proposed by Woese.

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9
Q

Fungi

A

(Singular, Fungus) Macroscopic and microscopic heterotrophic eukaryotic organisms that can be uni- or multicellular.

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10
Q

Protozoa

A

A group of single-celled, eukaryotic organisms.

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11
Q

Prokaryotic Cells

A

Small cells lacking special structures such as a nucleus and organelles. All prokaryotes are microorganisms.

Prokaryotes mean “Prenucleus”

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12
Q

Eukaryotic Cell

A

A cell that differs from a prokaryotic cell chiefly having a nuclear membrane (A well defined nucleus), membrane-bound subcellular organelles, and mitotic cell division.

Eukary means “True Nucleus”

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13
Q

Evolution

A

The accumulation of changes that occur in organisms as they adapt to their environments.

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14
Q

Ubiquitous

A

Ubiquitous means found everywhere.

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15
Q

Photosynthesis

A

Light-fueled conversion of carbon dioxide to organic material, accompanied by the formation of oxygen (Called oxygenic photosynthesis).

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16
Q

Fermentation

A

the chemical breakdown of a substance by bacteria, yeasts, or other microorganisms, typically involving effervescence and the giving off of heat.
the process of fermentation involved in the making of beer, wine, and liquor, in which sugars are converted to ethyl alcohol.

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17
Q

Biotechnology

A

When humans manipulate microorganisms to make products in an industrial setting.

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18
Q

Bioremediation

A

The ability of microorganisms - ones already present or those introduced intentionally - to restore the stability of an ecosystem or to clean up toxic pollutants.

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19
Q

Infectious Disease

A

Any disease caused by a microorganism.

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20
Q

Pathogen

A

Any agent (Usually a virus, bacterium, fungus, protozoan, or helminth) that causes disease.

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21
Q

Organelles

A

Organelles are small, membrane-bound structures in the eukaryotic cell that performs specific functions and include the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.

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22
Q

Lipid

A

any of a class of organic compounds that are fatty acids or their derivatives and are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. They include many natural oils, waxes, and steroids.

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23
Q

Spontaneous Generation

A

The belief that invisible vital forces present in matter led to the creation of life.

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24
Q

Abiogenesis

A 
a = without
bio = life
genesis = beginning

“Beginning in absence of life.

the original evolution of life or living organisms from inorganic or inanimate substances.
“to construct any convincing theory of abiogenesis, we must take into account the condition of the Earth about 4 billion years ago”

Another term for Spontaneous Generation

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25
Q

Biogenesis

A

“Beginning with life”

Historical- Living things arise only from others of their same kind.

  1. The synthesis of substances by living organisms.
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26
Q

Spore

A

A minute, typically one-celled, reproductive unit capable of giving rise to a new individual without sexual fusion, characteristic of lower plants, fungi, and protozoans.

BOTANY
(in a plant exhibiting alternation of generations) a haploid reproductive cell which gives rise to a gametophyte.

MICROBIOLOGY
(in bacteria) a rounded resistant form adopted by a bacterial cell in adverse conditions.

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27
Q

Endospore

A

a resistant asexual spore that develops inside some bacteria cells.
the inner layer of the membrane or wall of some spores and pollen grains.

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28
Q

Sterile

A

Free of all life forms including spores and virus particles.

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29
Q

Aseptic Techniques

A

A collection of medical practices and procedures that helps protect patients from dangerous germs.

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30
Q

Germ Theory of Disease

A

In medicine, the theory that certain diseases are caused by the invasion of the body by microorganisms, organisms too small to be seen except through a microscope.

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31
Q

Pasteurize

A

subject (milk, wine, or other products) to a process of partial sterilization, especially one involving heat treatment or irradiation, thus making the product safe for consumption and improving its keeping quality.
“dairies were now required by law to pasteurize milk”

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32
Q

Macromolecule

A

A molecule containing a very large number of atoms, such as a protein, nucleic acid, or synthetic polymer.

(Book Definition)Large, molecular compounds assembled from smaller subunits, most notably biochemicals.

All macromolecules except lipids are formed by polymerization.

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33
Q

Polymer

A

A macromolecule made up of a chain of repeating units; examples: Starch, protein, DNA

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34
Q

Monomer

A

A simple molecule that can be linked by chemical bonds to form larger molecules.

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35
Q

Polymerization

A

Any process in which relatively small molecules, called monomers, combine chemically to produce a very large chainlike or network molecule, called a polymer.

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36
Q

Glycan

A

another term for polysaccharide.

“glycan is released by parasites to help them evade the body’s immune system”

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37
Q

Saccharide

A

Scientific term for sugar. Refers to a simple carbohydrate with a sweet taste.

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38
Q

Polysaccharide

A

A carbohydrate that can be hydrolyzed into a number of monosaccharides; examples: cellulose, starch, glycogen.

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39
Q

Monosaccharide

A

A simple sugar such as glucose that is a basic building block for more complex carbohydrates.

40
Q

Chitin

A

A polysaccharide similar to cellulose in chemical structure. This polymer makes up the horny substance of the exoskeleton of arthropods and certain fungi.

41
Q

Carbohydrate

A

A compound containing primarily carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio.

42
Q

Cellulose

A

A long, fibrous polymer composed of beta-glucose; one of the most common substances on earth.

43
Q

Glycogen

A

A substance deposited in bodily tissues as a store of carbohydrates. It is a polysaccharide which forms glucose on hydrolysis.

44
Q

Hydrolyze (Hydrolysis)

A 
break down (a compound) by chemical reaction with water.
"bile acids were hydrolyzed under alkaline conditions"
undergo chemical breakdown due to reaction with water.
"CMA can easily hydrolyze into free acetic acid"
45
Q

Agar

A

a gelatinous substance obtained from various kinds of red seaweed and used in biological culture media and as a thickener in foods. (Polysaccharide)

46
Q

Peptidoglycan

A

A special class of compounds in which polysacccharides (glycan) are linked to peptide fragments (a short chain of amino acids). This molecule provides the main source of structural support to the bacterial cell wall.

47
Q

Lipopolysaccharide

A

A complex molecule containing both lipid and polysaccharide parts.

Book definition: A molecular complex of lipid and carbohydrates (Saccharides) found in the bacterial cell wall. the “LPS” of a gram-negative bacteria is an endotoxin with generalized pathologic effects such as fever.

48
Q

Glycoprotein

A

Any of a class of proteins that have carbohydrate groups attached to the polypeptide chain. Also called glycopeptide.

49
Q

Glycocalyx

A

Pericellular matrix, is a glycoprotein and glycolipid covering that surrounds the cell membranes of bacteria, epithelial cells, and other cells.

50
Q

Pericellular

A

of, relating to, occurring in, or being the tissues surrounding a cell.

51
Q

Lipid

A

Derived from the Greek word lipos, meaning fat, is not a chemical designation but an operational term for a variety of substances that are not soluble in polar solvents such as water but will dissolve in nonpolar solvents such as benzene and chloroform.

52
Q

Protein

A

Chains of amino Acids.

Typically contains a minimum of 50 amino acids

IE: Enzymes; part of cell membrane, cell wall, ribosomes, antibodies.

Serve as structural components and perform metabolic reactions.

53
Q

Amino Acid

A

Molecules that combine to form protein.

They have a basic skeleton consisting of a carbon, a carboxyl group (COOH) and a variable “R” group.

54
Q

Peptide Bond

A

The covalent union between two amino acids that forms between the amine group of one and the carboxyl group of the other. The basic bond of proteins.

55
Q

Nucleic Acid

A

A polymeric strand of nucleotides; exists in two forms: ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

56
Q

Nucleotide

A

Pentose sugar + phosphate + Nitrogen base

Nitrogen bases
    Purines: Adenine (A),
                   Guanine (G),
    Pyrimidines: Cytosine (C),
                          Thymine  (T),
                          Uracil (U).

The basic structural unit of DNA and RNA; each nucleotide consists of a phosphate, a sugar (ribose in RNA, deoxyribose in DNA), and a nitrogenous base such as Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, Thymine (DNA only), and Uracil (RNA only).

57
Q

Nitrogen Base

A

A ringed compound of which pyrimidines and purines are types.

58
Q

Nitrogenous Base

A

A nitrogen-containing molecule found in DNA and RNA that provides the basis for the genetic code. Adenine, Guanine, and Cytosine are found in both RNA and DNA, while thymine is found exclusively in DNA and Uracil is found exclusively in RNA.

59
Q

Purines

A

A nitrogen base that is an important encoding component of DNA and RNA. The two most common purines are adenine and guanine.

60
Q

Pyrimidines

A

Nitrogen bases that help form the genetic code on DNA and RNA. Uracil, Thymine, and Cytosine are the most important pyrimidines.

61
Q

Triglycerides

A

Fatty acids + Glycerol

A type of lipid composed of glycerol molecule bound to three fatty acids.

Major component of cell membranes; storage.

62
Q

Glycerol

A

3-carbon alcohol, with three OH groups that serve and binding sites.

63
Q

Fatty Acids

A

Long chains of hydrocarbon molecules with a carboxyl group (COOH) at one end that is free to bind to the glycerol. The hydrocarbon portion of a fatty acid can vary in length from 4 to 24 carbons-and, depending on the fat, it may be saturated or unsaturated. If all carbons in the chain are single bonded to 2 other carbons and 2 hydrogens, it is saturated. If there is at least one C=C double bond in the chain, it is unsaturated. The structure of fatty acids is what gives fats and oils (liquid fats) their greasy, insoluble nature. In general, solid fats (such as butter) are more saturated, and liquid fats (Such as oils) are more unsaturated.

64
Q

Phospholipids

A

Fatty acids + Glycerol + Phosphate

IE: Membrane components

65
Q

Waxes

A

Fatty acids, alcohols
IE: Mycolic acid
Cell wall of mycobacteria

66
Q

Steroids

A

Complex ringed compounds commonly found in cell membranes and as animal hormones.
IE: Cholesterol, ergosterol.

In membranes of eukaryotes and some bacteria

67
Q

Hydrophobic

A

1.
tending to repel or fail to mix with water.
2.
of or suffering from hydrophobia.

68
Q

Hydrophilic

A

having a tendency to mix with, dissolve in, or be wetted by water.
“hydrophilic amino acids”

69
Q

Globule

A

a small round particle of a substance; a drop.

“globules of fat”

70
Q

Lipases

A

a pancreatic enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of fats to fatty acids and glycerol or other alcohols.

71
Q

Micelles

A

an aggregate of molecules in a colloidal solution, such as those formed by detergents.

72
Q

Aggregate

A

a whole formed by combining several (typically disparate) elements.
“the council was an aggregate of three regional assemblies”
2.
a material or structure formed from a loosely compacted mass of fragments or particles.
“the specimen is an aggregate of rock and mineral fragments”

73
Q

Colloid (Colloidal)

A

a homogeneous noncrystalline substance consisting of large molecules or ultramicroscopic particles of one substance dispersed through a second substance. Colloids include gels, sols, and emulsions; the particles do not settle, and cannot be separated out by ordinary filtering or centrifuging like those in a suspension.

74
Q

Detergent

A

a water-soluble cleansing agent which combines with impurities and dirt to make them more soluble, and differs from soap in not forming a scum with the salts in hard water.
“liquid detergents”

75
Q

Glycolipid

A

Glycolipids are lipids with a carbohydrate attached by a glycosidic (covalent) bond.[1] Their role is to maintain the stability of the cell membrane and to facilitate cellular recognition, which is crucial to the immune response and in the connections that allow cells to connect to one another to form tissues.[2] Glycolipids are found on the surface of all eukaryotic cell membranes, where they extend from the phospholipid bilayer into the extracellular environment.[2]

76
Q

Sterol

A

any of a group of naturally occurring unsaturated steroid alcohols, typically waxy solids.

A steroid that has an OH group.

77
Q

Cholesterol

A

Best-known member of a group of lipids called steroids. Cholesterol is commonly found in cell membranes and animal hormones as well as unusal group of cell-wall-deficient bacteria called the mycoplasmas.

78
Q

Mycoplasmas

A

any of a group of small typically parasitic bacteria that lack cell walls and sometimes cause diseases.

79
Q

Wax

A

An ester formed between a long-chain alcohol and a saturated fatty acid.

80
Q

Ester

A

an organic compound made by replacing the hydrogen of an acid by an alkyl or other organic group. Many naturally occurring fats and essential oils are esters of fatty acids.

81
Q

Alkyl

A

of or denoting a hydrocarbon radical derived from an alkane by removal of a hydrogen atom.
“alkyl halides”

82
Q

Alkane

A

any of the series of saturated hydrocarbons including methane, ethane, propane, and higher members.

83
Q

Peptide

A

Refers to a molecule composed of short chains of amino acids

84
Q

Polypeptide

A

Contains an unspecified number of amino acids but usually has more than 20 and is often a smaller subunit of a protein.

85
Q

Protoplasm

A

the colorless material comprising the living part of a cell, including the cytoplasm, nucleus, and other organelles. (Internal cell contents)

86
Q

Partition

A

(especially with reference to a country with separate areas of government) the action or state of dividing or being divided into parts.
“the country’s partition into separate states”

87
Q

Cytoplasmic

A

the organized complex of inorganic and organic substances external to the nuclear membrane of a cell and including the cytosol and membrane-bound organelles (as mitochondria or chloroplasts)

88
Q

Cyto

A

of a cell or cells

89
Q

Reductive Evolution

A

Evolution towards less complexity.

The process by which microorganisms remove genes from their genome. It can occur when bacteria found in a free-living state enter a restrictive state (either as endosymbionts or parasites) or are completely absorbed by another organism becoming intracellular (symbiogenesis). The bacteria will adapt to survive and thrive in the restrictive state by altering and reducing its genome to get rid of the newly redundant pathways that are provided by the host.[1] In an endosymbiont or symbiogenesis relationship where both the guest and host benefit, the host can also undergo reductive evolution to eliminate pathways that are more efficiently provided for by the guest.

90
Q

Hemolysis

A

the rupture or destruction of red blood cells.

91
Q

Antibodies

A

Complex glycoproteins with specific regions of attachment for bacteria, viruses, and other mircroorganisms.

92
Q

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A

A relative of RNA involved in an entirely different cell activity. It is a nucleotide containing adenine, ribose and three phosphates rather than just one.

Belongs to a category of high-energy compounds that gives off energy when the bond is broken between the second and third (Outermost) phosphate.

93
Q

Name three characteristics common to all cells.

A

Tend to be spherical, polygonal, cubical, or cylindrical; their protoplasm (internal cell contents) is encased in a cell or cytoplasmic membrane; they have chromosomes containing DNA, and ribosomes for protein synthesis and they are exceedingly complex in function.

Aside from the few similarities, the contents and structure of the three different cell types- bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic- differ significantly.

94
Q

Protein

A

The predominant organic molecules in cells. Made up of amino acids.

Contains a minimum of 50 amino acids.

95
Q

Amino Acid

A

The building blocks of protein which exist in 20 different naturally occurring forms.

96
Q

Peptide

A

Short chains of amino acids.

97
Q

Polypeptide

A

contains an unspecified number of amino acids but usually has more than 20 and is often a smaller subunit of a protein.

University Medical Microbiology (8 decks)

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