Elementary Microbiology

Question 1

What is a prokaryotic? give examples

Answer 1

No nucleus/membrane bound organelles - virus, bacteria

Question 2

What is a eukaryotic? give examples

Answer 2

Have nucleus/membrane bound organelles - fungi, protozoa, algae

Question 3

What are the different types of bacteria?

Answer 3

Round (cocci) Spiral (spirilla) Rod (bacilli)

Question 4

What is bacterial reproduction called?

Answer 4

Binary Fission

Question 5

Explain how binary fission occurs

Answer 5

1. DNA replicates itself. 2. The loops of DNA move to either end of cell. 3. Cell mem&wall pinch in to form two cells. 4. The identical daughter cells may separate but divide in some species.

Question 6

What are two different survival techniques by bacteria?

Answer 6

Conjugation and endospore formation

Question 7

What is conjugation?

Answer 7

Common amongst gram negative bacteria, involves transfer of genes from a donor bacterium to a recipient

Question 8

What is endospore formation?

Answer 8

Common with gram positive bacteria, bacteria duplicate their DNA, a tough wall forms around one of the DNA loops, rest of cell dies. Can reproduce again when conditions become favourable.

Question 9

How do you identify bacteria?

Answer 9

1. Swab infected area. 2. Culture the sample.
2. Smear a microscopic slide from the bacteria growing on the culture medium. 4. Smear is stained with a gram stain, gram positive stain purple, gram neg stains pink. 5. Conduct antibiotic sensitivity test.

Question 10

Define ‘antibiotic’

Answer 10

Chemicals produced by bacteria and fungi