Ecology

Question 1

Ecology

Answer 1

Examines relations of organisms between one another and the enviornment

Question 2

Microbial ecology

Answer 2

Focuses on microbial interrelationships

Question 3

Symbiosis

Answer 3

The living together (or close association) of dissimilar organisms

Question 4

Symbionts

Answer 4

Organisms involved in symbiotic relationships

Question 5

Host

Answer 5

Living organism that harbours another living organism (in a commensal, mutual or parasitic symbiotic relationship)

Question 6

Commensalism and example

Answer 6

One species derives benefit from the association but the relationship is neither beneficial nor harmful to the other e.g Whales and Barnacles

Question 7

Mutualism and example

Answer 7

Both symbionts derive benefit from the association

e.g Clown fish and anemones

Question 8

Parasitism and example

Answer 8

Only one symbiont (parasite) derives benefit and other other symbiont (host) is harmed
E.g Tapeworms and humans/dogs

Question 9

Indigenous microflora

Answer 9

The microbes that live in/on the human body, majority is beneficial

Question 10

Places where indigenous microflora can be found

Answer 10

On skin (Predominately bacteria and fungi)
In Ears (Usually outer ear and auditory canal)
External surface of the eye
Mouth
Upper respiratory tract
Gastrointestinal tract (Bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses)
Genitourinary tract

Question 11

Functions of indigenous microflora

Answer 11

Synthesis of vitamin B and K
Stimulate the immune system
Inhibit invasion and growth of pathogenic microbes
Gut microbiome

Question 12

Biofilms

Answer 12

Complex communities of different microbes attached to a surface with a slime layer

Question 13

Medical significance of biofilms

Answer 13

Can form on bone, heart valves, tissues and inanimate objects
around 60% of infections due to biofilms
Living in a community resulted in antibiotic, disinfectant and immune response resistance