Chapter 17: Fermentation: Desirable Effects of Microorganisms Flashcards
Define microbiology.
the study of living organisms too small to be seen by the unaided human eye
Define microorganisms.
Organisms that are only visible through a microscope
What are the characteristics of microorganisms?
They multiply rapidly, and transfer easily from one surface to another (cross- contamination)
What is cross-contamination?
transfer easily from one surface to another (cross- contamination)
What are the microorganisms that have positive use in foods?
bacteria, yeasts, and molds
Bacterias are members of what kingdom? Yeasts and molds?
Bacteria: Monera
Yeasts + molds: Fungi
What do microorganisms depend on to grow and multiply?
Outside sources
Are bacteria single-celled or multiple-celled?
single-celled organisms
How does bacteria multiply?
Cell division
Describe the cells of bacteria?
Their cells have no nucleus and are filled with a gelatinous liquid called cytoplasm
How long is bacteria?
3 micrometers long
How is bacteria classified?
by shape, cell wall structure, and oxygen needs
Name the 3 basic shapes of bacteria.
– Bacilli have a rod shape
– Cocci have a spherical shape
– Spirilla have a spiral shape
Name the 2 types of cell wall structures of bacteria.
- Gram-positive bacteria turn violet
- Gram-negative turn red
How are the cell wall structures of bacteria identified?
by the ability to be stained by a crystal violet dye, called Gram’s stain
Name the 3 categories of bacteria based on oxygen needs.
– Aerobic bacteria must have oxygen to function
– Anaerobic bacteria function best in an oxygen-free environment
– Facultative bacteria can function in either type of environment
What kind of bacteria spoils cabbage? What prevents the aerobic bacteria to grow?
- Aerobic bacteria
- submerging cabbage in salt water does not
allow aerobic bacteria to grow
Aerobic bacteria in cabbage can multiply and develop what?
the flavor and texture of sauerkraut
What do bacterial growth rates depend on?
pH, air, temperature, and nutrients
Define fungus.
a plant that lacks chlorophyll
Are fungi single-celled? Do they have a nucleus?
– are not always single-celled
– have a nucleus in their cells
What is the function of fungus in nature?
widely distributed in nature and help organic matter decay
Give examples of fungus.
mushrooms, molds, mildew, rust, and yeast
How is fungi classified?
by their structure and reproduction methods
The basic structure of fungi is made of what?
made of filaments or tubes called hyphae
Describe the structure of hyphae.
have elongated cells or chains of cells that absorb nutrients from the environment
How is myecelium formed?
Hyphae intertwines and forms a branched network
How does myecelium reproduce?
by creating spores
Define spores.
the reproductive cells of fungi
How do spores develop?
in a sac- or balloon-like structure that explodes when full
How big are spores? What are they resistant to?
Spores are microscopic and resistant to harsh environments
Define molds.
fungi that form a mycelium structure with a fuzzy appearance
What do molds produce? What do they do?
Many produce antibiotics that kill bacteria likely to be growing in the same area
Define yeasts.
fungi with a single-celled structure
What do yeasts produce?
produce alcohol and carbon dioxide
What do yeasts form on soil or plants? What do they form in animals?
Soil or plants: mycelium structures
Animals: reproduce by budding
Name 4 common characteristics of microorganisms.
– grow rapidly and are good sources of edible
protein for animals
– can enhance or add to the nutritional value of food
– can enter a dormant or inactive state to protect themselves from a harsh environment
– reproduce when the environment supports growth needs
Define a pure culture.
a large volume of one type of microbe grown purposely
What are microorganisms used for in food processing plants?
development of such foods as pickles, cheese, and beverages
Define starter cultures.
pure cultures of microorganisms that are added to foods to begin a fermentation
Define microbial enzymes.
Enzymes produced by microorganisms
What is the source of most changes in food products?
Microbial enzymes
How do microbial enzymes act in the body?
– Microorganisms excrete digestive enzymes to break down large macromolecules for transport through the microbial cell wall
– Microorganisms can then absorb the fragments and use them for energy
How can microorganisms be classified
by the organic molecules they use as a food source