Classification And Characteristics Of Microorganisms Flashcards
what are the three domains of life in microbiology?
Bacteria
Archea
Eukarya
what are the major groups of microorganisms?
Bacteria
Archaea
Fungi
Protozoa
Algae
Viruses
Prions
what are the four major shapes?
Bacillus (rod-shape)
Coccus (spherical)
Spirilla (spiral)
Vibro (curved)
how do bacteria reproduced?
mostly through binary fissions ( asexual reproduction)
what are the key featured of viruses that makes them different from other microorganisms?
they are acellular and required a host to replicate.
what are the three types of fungi based on their nutritional characteristics?
Saprophytic (decomposer)
Parasitic (harm host)
Mutualistic (symbiotic relationships)
what are protozoa classified based on?
Their mode of locomotion:
Amoeboids
Flagellates
Ciliates
Sporozoans
How do helminths differ from other microorganisms?
They are multicellular eukaryotic parasites with complex life cycles.
name three bacterial diseases?
Tuberculosis
Cholera
Food poisoning
what fungal species is responsible for candidiasis?
candida
what protozoan causes malaria?
Plasmodium falciparum
What helminthic diseases is caused by Schistosoma?
Schistosomiasis
what staining technique differentiates bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative?
Gram Staining
what is an autoclave used for?
Sterilizing media, tools, and waste at high pressure and temperature.
What test is used to determine bacteria resistance at antibiotics?
Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion Test
What equipment is used to observe bacterial structures?
Compound microscope and electron microscope
What are the key used to classify microorganisms?
Morphology
Physiology
Genetics
What is the role of molecular techniques in microbial classification?
They help identify microorganisms based on DNA, RNA, and protien sequences
Which domain includes extremophiles like halophiles?
Archaea
What structure do bacteria have that provides shape and protections?
Cell wall made of peptidoglycan
What is an obligate intracellular parasite?
A microorganism, like a virus, that can only replicate inside a host cell
Name two bacterial species tht can cause foodborne illness?
Salmonella and Campylobacter
What is the primary genetic material in viruses?
Either DNA or RNA, but never both
Describe the process of viral replication
Attachment ___Entry___Hijacking of host cell____Assembly____Release.
How are viruses transmitted?
Through direct contact, airborn droplets, vectors, or contaminated surfaces.
What polysaccharide is found in fungal cell walls?
Chitin
What is the function of fungal spores?
They aid in reproduction and environmental survival.
What industrial applications involve fungi?
Antibiotic production, fermentation (bread, beer), and biotecnology.
How do protozoa move?
Using flagella, Cilla, Pseudopodia, or being non-motile (Sporozoans)
What disease is caused by Trypanosoma?
Sleeping sickness
What is the difference between phagocytosis and osmotrophy in protozoa?
Phatocytosis is involes engulfing food,
while Osmotrophy absorbs dissolved nutrients.
What are the three main classes o helminths?
Nematodes (roundworms)
Cestodes (tapeworms)
Trematodes (Flukes)
How are helminths transmitted?
Through fecal-oral routes, vectores, or direct skin penetration
What disease is caused by ascaris lumbricoides?
Ascariasis
How do algae obtain energy?
Through photosynthesis
What is the major toxin produced by Dinoflagellates?
Saxitoxin ( causes paralytic shellfish poisoning)
How can algae cause human illness?
By producing toxins that accumulate in seafood or contaminate water.
What is the purpose of aseptic techniques in microbiology lab?
Tp prevent contamination of cultures and ensure saftey
What test differentiates bacteria based on their cell wall composition?
Gram staining
What laboratory equipment is used to grow bacterial colonies on solid media?
Petri dishes with agar plates
How is bacterial growth measured in the lab?
By turbidity ( spectrophotometry ) or colony-forming units ( CFUs )
