Exam 1 Vocab/concepts Flashcards
Acid-fast stain
A term referring to the property of mycobacteria to retain carbon fuchsin even in the presence of acid alcohol. The staining procedure is used to diagnose tuberculosis.
Amphitrichous
Type of flagellar arrangement. A single flagellum (or multiple flagella) can extend from both ends of the cell
Appendages
Accessory structures that sprout from the surface of bacteria. They can be divided into two major groups: those that provide motility and those that enable adhesion.
Archaea
Prokaryotic single-celled organisms of primitive origin that have 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.
Axial filament
A type of flagellum (called an endoflagellum) that lies in the periplasmic space of spirochetes and is responsible for locomotion. Also called periplasmic flagellum.
Bacillus
Bacterial cell shape that is basically cylindrical (longer than it is wide ); plural is bacilli
Bacteria
(plural of bacterium) Category of prokaryotes with peptidoglycan in their cell walls and a single, circular chromosome. This group of small cells is widely distributed in the earth’s habitat
Bacterial chromosome
A circular body in bacteria that contains the primary genetic material. Also called nucleoid.
Basal body
Part of the flagellum that anchors the hook (filament is insetted into hook) to the cell body; it is a stack of rings that is anchored through the cell wall to the cell membrane
Capsule
In bacteria, the loose, gel-like covering or slime made chiefly of simple polysaccharides. This layer is protective and can be associated with virulence
Cell membrane
Inner layer of cell envelope (gram negative and inner layer below cell wall and outer layer); bilayer of lipids with proteins embedded
Chemotaxis
The tendency of cells to move in response to a chemical gradient (toward an attractant or to avoid adverse stimuli). In inflammation, it refers to the movement of blood cells in reaction to chemical signals.
Chlamydias
Tiny gram negative bacteria that are obligate parasites inside the vacuoles of host cells; members cause a type of STD and pneumonia
Coccobacillus
An elongated coccus; a short, thick oval-shaped bacterial rod.
Coccus
A spherical-shaped bacterial cell; plural is cocci
Conjugation
In bacteria, the contact between donor and recipient cells associated with the transfer of genetic material such as plasmids. Can involve special (sex) polo. Asp a for, pf sexual recombination in ciliated protozoans.
Cyanobacteria
Widespread and ecologically important photosynthetic bacteria; evidence indicates their role in the evolution of chloroplasts in eukaryotic cells
Cytoplasm
Dense fluid encased by the cell membrane; the site of many of the cell’s biochemical and synthetic activities.
Cytoplasmic membrane
In eukaryotes is a bilayer of phospholipids and sterols with proteins embedded
Biofilms
A complex aggregate of interacting microbial cells that adhere to each other and to surfaces by means of polysaccharide matrix. Biofilms permit communication among participants, which facilitates their survival and adaptation
Biotechnology
The use of organisms (microbes, plants, animals) or their products in the commercial or industrial realm
Bacterial endospore resistance
Bacteria that have a two-phase life cycle that allows them to withstand hostile environments and survive for long periods of time.
Cell wall
Outer layer of cell envelope; composed of peptidoglycan and other molecules
Chagas disease (NTD)
Chagas disease (NTD): A disease transmitted by insects that can be lifethreatening. There are two phases: acute and chronic. Both can have no symptoms and be life-threatening. Can have fever, fatigue, headache, rash, loss of appetite, and can lead to cardiac and intestinal complications.
Cilia
(singular: cilium) Eukaryotic structure similar to flagella that propels a protozoan through the environment
Clostridium Difficile
Clostridium Difficile: A bacterial infection that is hard to get rid of because it is a spore that is resistant to antibiotics
Cytoskeleton
A fine intracellular network of fibers, filaments, and other strands that function in support and shape of cells
Decomposer
A consumer that feeds on organic matter from the bodies of dead organisms. These microorganisms feed from all levels of the food pyramid and are responsible for recycling elements (also called saprobes)
Diplobacilli
An arrangement of bacilli where a pair of cells is attached at their ends
Diplococcus
Spherical or oval-shaped bacteria, typically found in pairs
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
An intracellular network of flattened sacs or tubules with or without ribosomes on their surfaces
Endospore
A small, dormant, resistant derivative of a bacterial cell that germinates under favorable growth conditions into a vegetative cell. The bacterial genera Bacillus and Clostridium are typical sporeformers
Endosymbiosis
The evolutionary process through which prokaryotic cells came together in a mutually beneficial association that gave rise to eukaryotic cells during billions of years of coevolution
Endotoxin
A bacterial intracellular toxin that is not ordinarily released (as an exotoxin). Endotoxin is composed of a phospholipid-polysaccharide complex that is an integral part of gram-negative bacterial cell walls. Endotoxins can cause severe shock and fever
Enzymes
A protein biocatalyst that facilitates metabolic reactions
Eukaryotic Cell
A cell that differs from a prokaryotic cell chiefly by having a nuclear membrane (a well-defined nucleus), membrane-bound sub cellular organelles, and mitotic cell division
Extreme halophiles
Extreme salt-loving
Extremophiles
Organisms capable of living in harsh environments, such as extreme cold or heat
Filament
A helical structure composed of proteins that is part of bacterial flagella
Fimbriae
Short, numerous surface appendages on some bacteria that provide adhesion but not locomotion
Flagellum
(Plural: flagella) A long appendage used to propel an organism through a fluid environment. Flagella of bacteria and eukaryotes are similar in general function but differ significantly in structure
Fluid mosaic model
A conceptualization of the molecular architecture of cellular membranes as a bilipid layer containing proteins. Membrane proteins are embedded to some degree in this bilayer, where they float freely about
Genetic engineering/bioengineering
A field involving deliberate alterations (recombinations) of the genomes of microbes, plants, and animals through special technological processes
Germination (of endospores)
Breaking of dormancy that happens in the presence of water and a specific germinating agent
Glycan
A polysaccharide
Glycocalyx
A filamentous network of carbohydrate-rich molecules that coats cells
Golgi apparatus (Golgi complex)
An organelle of eukaryotes that participates in packaging and secretion of molecules
Gram stain
A differential stain for bacteria useful in identification and taxonomy. Gram-positive organisms appear purple from crystal violet-mordant retention, whereas gram-negative organisms appear red after loss of crystal violet and absorbance of the safranin counterstain
Gram-negative
Harder to treat with drugs, less permeable, turn red due to counterstain, larger periplasmic space, contain LPS (an endotoxin), and has 2 major layer and an outer membrane
Gram-positive
Will stain purple from violet crystals, more permeable, small periplasmic space, has teicohic acid, has one major layer
Granules
Small particle that can be a secretory vesicle
Hans Christian Gram
A Danish physician that developed the Gram stain, commonly used to delineate two different groups of bacteria
Haploid
A cell that contains a single set of unpaired chromosomes
Heredity
Genetic inheritance
Histones
Proteins associate with eukaryotic DNA. These simple proteins serve as a scaffolding to compact and condense DNA into chromosomes, while also enhancing or preventing the expression of certain genes
Hyperextrmophiles (extremophiles)
Hyperextrmophiles (extremophiles): microorganisms (archaea) that love extreme environments
Hyperthermophiles
Archaea that love high temperatures
Inclusion bodies/inclusion
A relatively inert body in the cytoplasm such as storage granules, glycogen fat, or some other aggregated metabolic product.
Leeuwenenenhook
Dutch merchant who created the first microscope
L-forms
Bacteria that normally have a cell wall that lose it during part of their life cycle
Lipopolysaccharide
A molecular complex of lipid and carbohydrate found in the bacterial cell wall. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of gram-negative bacteria is an endotoxin with generalized pathologic effects such as fever
Lipoproteins
A protein in cell walls of gram-negative bacteria
Lophotrichous
Describing bacteria having a tuft of flagella at one or both poles
Lysis
The physical rupture or depletion of a cell
Lysosome
A cytoplasmic organelle containing lysozyme and other hydrolytic enzymes
Lysozyme
An enzyme that attacks the bonds on bacterial peptidoglycan. It is a natural defense found in tears and saliva.
Metabolism
A general term designating the totality of chemical processes occurring in a cell
Metachromatic granules
A granule that stains red when stained with a blue dye. Composed of polyphosphate, lipid, and nucleoprotein molecules
Methanogens
Microbes that produce methane gas
Micrococci
Irregular cluster of cocci
Micro compartments
Polyhedral packets formed by proteins bound together in compact units that contain enzymes and reactants need for a specific metabolic process
Mitochondrion
A double-membrane organelle of eukaryotes that is the main site for aerobic respiration. It contains its own chromosomes and ribosomes
Mitosis
Somatic cell division that preserves the somatic chromosome number
Monotrichous
Describing a microorganism that bears a single flagellum
Mycoplasmas
Species of mycoplasma are among the smallest self-replicating microorganisms. Mycoplasma naturally lack a cell wall. Most species are parasites of animals and plants
Neglected Tropical Diseases
A collection of conditions that thrive among the worlds poorest populations that receive little or no attention; usually treatable with drugs and vaccines. Include: Ascariasis, hookworm infection, onchocerciasis, lymphatic ilariasis, schistomiasis, trachoma, trichuriasis
Nuclear envelope
Separates the nucleus; composed of two parallel membranes separated by a narrow space and perforated with small pores
Nucleoid
Irregular cell region of prokaryotes where the genetic material is located
Nucleus
1) In chemistry, the central core of an atom, composed of neutrons and protons. 2) In cell structure, a prominent spherical organelle that is encased by a double-membrane or envelope; it is the site where the majority of a cell’s DNA is housed
Obligate Intracellular parasites
Can’t function without some essential factors from the host (chlamydias and rickettsias)
Organelles
A small component of eukaryotic cells that is bounded by a membrane and specialized in function
Outer membrane
A structure made of lipids in the outer layer of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria
Palisades
The characteristic bacterial arrangement resembling a row of fence posts created by cells snapping together
Parasite/parasitism
A close interaction in which one organism (the parasite) lives on or within another organism (the host), from which is obtains nutrients and receives protection. The parasite produces some degree of harm to the host
Pasteur
Swan neck experiment, germ theory disease, founder of microbiology
Pathogen
Any agent - usually a virus, bacterium, fungus, protozoan, or helminth - that infects body tissues and cause disease
Peptidoglycan
A network of polysaccharide chains cross-linked by short peptides that forms the rigid part of bacterial cell walls. Gram-negative bacteria have a smaller amount of this rigid structure than do gram-positive bacteria
Periplasmic space
An open area between the cell wall and cell membrane in the cell envelopes of bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria have a more extensive space than do gram-positive bacteria
Peritrichous
In bacteria morphology, having flagella distributed over the entire cell
Phenetic
Based on phenotype, or expression of traits
Phylogenetic
A classification system based on evolutionary relationships. Also called the phyletic
Pilus
(plural: pili) Small, stiff filamentous appendages in gram-negative bacteria that function in DNA exchange during bacterial conjugation
Plasmids
Extrachromosomal genetic units characterized by several features. A plasmid is a double-stranded DNA that is smaller than and replicates independently of the cell chromosome; it bears genes that are not essential for cell growth; it can bear genes that code for adaptive traits; and it is transmissible to the bacteria
Pleomorphism
Normal variability of cell shapes in a single species; bacteria having diverse shapes are called pleomorphic
Polar
Term used to describe a molecule with an asymmetrical distribution of charges. Such a molecule has a negative pole and a positive pole
Porins
Transmembrane proteins of the outer membrane of gram-negative cells the permit transport of small molecules into the periplasmic space but bar the penetration of larger molecules
Prokaryotes
Bacteria and archaea; small cells that lack organelles and nucleus
Prokaryotic cell
Small cell lacking special structures such as a nucleus and organelles. All prokaryotes are microorganisms
Prokaryotic flagellum
Thinner and smaller than eukaryotic; composed of a hook, basal body, and a filament
Protoplast
A bacterial cell whose cell wall is completely lacking and that is vulnerable to osmotic lysis
Psychrophile
A microorganism that thrives at low temperatures (0°C - 20°C), with a temperature optimum of 0°C - 15°C
Ribosome
A bilobed macromolecular complex that coordinates the codons of mRNA with tRNA anticodons and, in so doing, constitutes the protein assembly site. It is composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and protein
Rickettsias
Medically important family of tiny, intracellular parasitic bacteria, commonly carried by ticks, lice, and fleas. Case of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhus
Sarcina
A cubical packet of 8, 16, or more cells; the cellular arrangement of the genus Sarcina in the family Micrococcaceae
Scientific method
Principles and procedures for the systemic pursuit of knowledge, involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of a hypothesis
Scientific name
A binomial system of nomenclature; combination of the generic (genus) name followed by the species name. Generic part is capitalized and species in lowercase; both parts italicized or underlined
Slime layer
A glycocalyx covering that protects the cell; a loose shield. Protects from dehydration and loss of nutrients; helps with adhesion
Species
In the levels of classification, the most specific level of organization
Spheroplast
A gram-negative cell whose peptidoglycan, when digested by lysozyme, remains intact but is osmotically vulnerable
Spirillum
A type of bacterial cell with a rigid spiral shape and external flagella; plural is spirilla
Spirochete
A coiled, spiral-shaped bacterium that has endoflagella and flexes as it moves
Spontaneous generation
Early belief that living things arose from vital forces present in nonliving, or decomposing matter
Sporangium
A fungal cell in which asexual spores are formed by multiple cell cleavage. This division results in sporangiospores
Spore
A differentiated, specialized cell form that can be used for dissemination, for survival in times of adverse conditions, and/or for reproduction. Spores are usually unicellular and may develop into gametes or vegetative organisms
Sporulation
The process of spore formation
Staphylococci
(singular, staphylococcus) Coccus-shaped bacteria arranged in irregular clusters due to their division in several different planes
Streptobacilli
Chain of several cells of bacilli
Taxonomy
The formal system for organizing, classifying, and naming living things
Teichoic acid
Found in gram positive cells in the cell wall; a polymer of ribitol or glycerol and phosphate
Tetrads
Groups of four
Thylakoid
Vesicles of a chloroplast formed by elaborate folding of the inner membrane to form “discs.” Solar energy trapped in the thylakoids is used in photosynthesis
Vegetative cell
Metabolically active and growing phase
Vibrio
A curved, rod-shaped bacterial cell
Viruses
Microscopic, acellular agent composed of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat
Microorganisms that do not have a nucleus?
Prokaryotes
How do humans manipulate the genes of microorganisms?
Genetic engineering
List activities that are an example of biotechnology? Define biotechnology.
- Biotechnology: the manipulation of microorganisms to make products in an industrial setting
- Genetic engineering - recombinant DNA
- Can create proteins for drugs, hormones, and enzymes
- Mold to protect from infection - penicillin
- Algae that makes oil
- Algae that clean oil spills
- Bioremediation - restore stability in environments or to clean toxins
What is the scientific method?
- Deductive reasoning approach: use general observations to develop a set of facts to explain a phenomenon
- Hypothesis: explanation of phenomenon based on observations
- Allows for experimentation and testing
- Inductive reasoning: applies specific observations to develop a general explanation
- Experimentation, analysis, testing, and conclusion, and then retested and published
What is a scientific name?
- A binomial system of nomenclature
- Combination of the generic (genus) name followed by the species name
- Generic part is capitalized and species in lowercase
- Both parts italicized or underlined
What appendages to bacterial cells have?
- Motility: flagella and axial filaments
- Attachment sites: fimbriae and pili
Gram staining differences
- A gram-positive cell will stain purple, while a negative will stain red
- Gram-positive cells have one major layer, while gram negative have two, which results in color differences
- Gram positive cells are composed of peptidoglycan, teichoic acid, lipoteichoic acid, mycolic acids and polysaccharides
- Gram negative cells are composed of peptidoglycan, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoprotein, and porin proteins
- Gram positive cells have a thicker cell wall but smaller periplasmic space and is more permeable
What do ribosomes make?
- Ribosomes make proteins
- Ribosomes are made of rRNA and protein
- Ribosomes are located in the cytoplasm
- Thousands of ribosomes in all cells
Which structure causes bacteria to not be phagocytized?
Capsular coating
What are lipopolysaccharides?
LPS
- Component of endotoxin
- Causes septic shock and fever
- In gram-negative cell wall
Site of most ATP synthesis in a prokaryote is?
Cytoplasmic membrane via chemiosmosis
Site of ATP synthesis in a eukaryote?
Mitochondria
Function of a bacterial endospore is?
- They are dormant bodies that are capable of extreme resistance and long-term survival
- Makes it very hard to treat someone with an infections with bacteria that can phase into an endospore
What are biofilms?
- Biofilms: microbes in complex masses
- Plaque, algae, scum
- Often cooperative associations among microbial groups as well as plants and animals
- Substrates favorable to development are moist an have a thin layer of organic material such as polysaccharides or glycoproteins deposited on their surface
- Can evolve and adapt as new microbes arrive and layers develop
- Important in development of terrestrial and aquatic environments
- Recycle elements, leach minerals, and form soil
- Those associated with roots promote mutual exchange of nutrients
- Humans have microbiota on skin, oral cavity, and large intestine
- Microbes and humans communicate
- Biofilms can accumulate on heart valves, teeth, foreign material (catheters, IUDs, artificial hip joints)
- Can cause infection and disease: cholera, urinary tract infection, endocarditis, middle ear infections, and pneumonia
- Bacteria in biofilms turn different genes on than when they are free-floating that cause them to be antibiotic resistant
- May be caused by fimbriae
What is a prokaryotic cell with tiechoic acid?
Gram postive
Lysozyme (an enzyme found in tears) has natural defense against bacteria by:
- Hydrolyzing the bonds of glycan chains and causing the cell wall of bacteria to break down
- Cause lysis of cell
Site of rRNA synthesis in prokaryotes is in the:
Cytoplasm????
Histones are:
- Proteins that bind to DNA
- DNA coil around them
- Prevents DNA from tangling during cell division
Which organelle is cristae in? What does it do?
- Mitochondria
- Folds on the inner member
- Holds the enzymes and electron carriers of aerobic respiration
What are cisternae?
- Part of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)
- Flattened sacs
- Involved in protein synthesis
In order to reproduce sexually, diploid cells must produce?
Haploid cells, gametes
What is present in viruses?
- Lack ribosomes - can’t make their own proteins
- Contain DNA, capsid, envelope
Sources for human infections for worms:
- Contaminated food, soil, water, or infected animals
- Oral or penetration of unbroken skin
The organelle involved in digestion of food particles:
- The lysosome in the Golgi apparatus
- Contains a variety of enzymes
- Participates in intracellular digestion, removal of cell debris or damaged tissue,a d protect against invading organisms
The cell series of tunnel like membranes involved in transport of storage is:
- Microtubules are long, hollow tubes that maintain the shape of eukaryotic cells
- May also serve as a transport system for molecules
- The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is a tubular structure that transports molecules within the cell
Eukaryotic taxonomy includes the study of:
- Protozoa
- Genetic tests based on rRNA
The site of rRNA synthesis in eukaryotes is the:
The nucleus
Swan neck flask
- Louis Pasteur’s experiment to test whether sterile nutrient broth could spontaneously generate microbial life
- Refuted spontaneous generation
- Microbes cannot arise from nonliving materials under normal conditions on todays earth
Transfer of genes in bacterial conjugation is a rigid tubal appendage called:
Pilus
In the gram stain the crystal violet- mordant complex:
- Stains a gram-positive cell purple
- Will also stain a gram-negative cell purple, but the following steps will cause the purple dye to be removed and the red counterstain to dye the cell red
What is a halophile?
- Halophile can withstand saline conditions
- Not found in oceans - not enough salt
- Found in inland seas, salt lakes, and salt mines
- Many use a red pigment to synthesize ATP in the presence of light
- “Red Sea”
Diploid
A cell that contains a pair of chromosomes
