Intro To Microbiology Flashcards
What is microbiology?
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
True or False: Microorganisms are visible to the naked eye.
False
Fill in the blank: Microbiology is the study of ________.
microorganisms
True or False: Microorganisms play a crucial role in nutrient recycling.
True
What is the importance of studying microbiology in the medical field?
Health
Disease
Infection control
Treatment/management and resistance
Clinical appearance
Medical connection
Local and global impact
Fill in the blank: Microorganisms are ________-celled organisms.
single
What is the size range of microorganisms?
Microorganisms range in size from a few micrometers to submicron levels.
True or False: Microorganisms are not present in extreme environments like hot springs.
False
What are extremophiles in microbiology?
Microorganisms that thrive in extreme environments; extreme temperatures salinity.
Fill in the blank: Microorganisms are essential for maintaining the ________ of ecosystems.
balance
True or False: Microorganisms are not involved in the production of antibiotics.
False
What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms?
Prokaryotic microorganisms lack a true nucleus, while eukaryotic microorganisms have a defined nucleus.
What is an acidophile?
Bacteria that thrive under highly acidic conditions, optimum pH level 3-4.
What is a neutrophile?
Bacteria that thrive under neutral conditions, optimum pH level 6-7.
What is an alkaliphile?
Bacteria that thrive under highly alkaline conditions, optimum pH level 9-10.
What Bacteria that grow best in very hot temperatures, optimum growth range 90-100 degrees?
Hyperthermophiles
Microorganisms that grow best at low temperatures, optimum growth range 5-10 degrees.
Psychophiles
Microorganisms that grow best at high temperatures, optimum growth range 60-70 degrees?
Thermophiles
Microorganisms that grow best in moderate temperature, optimum growth range 30-45 degrees?
Mesophiles
What is the structure of eukaryotes?
Large and complex
Clearly defined nucleus
Membrane bound organelles
Single or multi cellular
What is the structure of prokaryotes?
Small and simple
Nucleoid with no membrane
Lacks internal membrane and organelles
Always unicellular
How do microorganisms cause disease?
Entering the body, multiplying, and damaging cells
Environmental microbial growth considerations?
Temperature
pH
Water
Light
Nutrition
Respiration
What are the products of metabolism?
Metabolites
Toxins produced and secreted by bacteria
Exotoxins
Toxins released from outer cell wall when bacteria dies and wall breaks apart
Endotoxins
What is the Incubation period?
The time between exposure to a pathogen and when symptoms first appear.
What is the Prodromal period
Early stage of disease or infection when the first signs and symptoms appear but before more severe symptoms develop.
Innocuous
Not harmful or offensive
Virulence
Pathogens or microorganisms ability to cause damage to a host
Environmental microbial growth considerations
Temperature
pH
Water
Light
Nutrition
Respirstion
In what light conditions do microorganisms grow best in?
Darkness
UV light is lethal and can be used in some types of sterilisation.
What are Mesophiles?
Grow best in moderate temperature, optimum growth range 30-45 degrees.
What are Thermophiles?
Grow best at high temperatures, optimum growth range 60-70 degrees.
What are Psychrophiles?
Grow best at low temperatures, optimum growth range 5-10 degrees.
What are Hyperthermophiles?
Grow best in very hot temperatures, optimum growth range 90-100 degrees.
What is an Acidophile?
Thrive best under highly acidic conditions, optimum pH level 3-4.
What is a Neutrophile?
Thrives best under neutral conditions, optimum pH level 6-7.
What is an Alkaliphile?
Thrive best under highly alkaline conditions, optimum pH level 9-10.
