Introduction Flashcards
Study of microorganisms
Microbiology
Diverse group of organisms existing as single cells or
cell clusters
Microbiology
Concerned with the form, structure, reproduction,
physiology, metabolism, and identification of microorganisms. It also includes the distribution in
nature, their relationship to each other and to other living things
Microbiology
When specimens are inoculated on culture media, it would take a
period of time for the microorganisms to grow. They have to be placed in a condition around ___
37ºC
The visible growth in a CM will reveal the form and structure in a period within ___ to ___ hours.
18 to 24
Visible structures you see as the microorganisms grow
Colonies
Most microorganisms are ______ to humans.
beneficial
Disease causing microorganisms are collectively termed as
_______ _______.
infectious agents
Microbiology covers _____, ____, ______, and _______
bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, and virology.
study of bacteria
bacteriology
study of fungi
mycology
study of virus
virology
study of parasites
parasitology
Although microorganisms are generally microscopic, a few are macroscopic like ______
molds and mushrooms
Bacteria have an average size of about _____
1 mcm
Considered as laboratory pet and most studied of all living organisms.
Escherichia coli
First one in which the genomic
character has been completely identified.
E.coli
_______ are first considered to be non-bacterial entities. In
the earlier times they are considered as viruses because of their size. (200 nm).
Mycoplasmas
One reason for reclassification of mycoplasma is that viruses would be _______ viruses, but mycoplasmas contain _________.
RNA/DNA; both
Ecological relationships: Both parties involved benefit from each other.
Mutualism
Ecological relationships: Only one organism benefits, but it doesn’t cause any harm to the other.
Commensalism
Ecological relationships: Only one organism benefits and causes harm to the other.
Parasitism
Independent chromosomal materials found in different
microorganisms and responsible for carrying the genes on
antibiotic resistance.
Plasmids
Prokaryotes:
-Nucleus
-Chromosome
-Ploidy
-Organelles
-Organism
-No true nucleus
-No membrane bound
-single stranded; not separated from cytoplasm
-haploid
-bacteria and archae
Eukaryotes:
-Nucleus
-Chromosome
-Ploidy
-Organelles
-Organism
Eukaryotes:
-True Nucleus
-Membrane bound
-chromosome separated from cytoplasm
-diploid
-fungi, algae, protozoa
External components of prokaryotic cells
fimbriae, flagella, pili, glycocalyx
A coating or layer of
molecules external to the cell wall. It serves protective,
adhesive, and receptor functions. It may fit tightly (capsule)
or be very loose and diffuse (slime layer).
Glycocalyx (pink coating)
Fine, hairlike bristles extending from the cell surface that help in adhesion to other cells and surfaces
Fimbriae
Specialized appendage attached to the cell by a basal body that holds a long, rotating filament. The
movement pushes the cell forward and provides motility.
Flagellum
Only means of locomotion in microorganisms.
Flagellum
An elongate, hollow appendage used in transfers of DNA to other cells.
Pilus
Components of cell envelope of prokaryotic cells
cell wall, cell membrane, outer membrane
A semirigid casing that provides structural support and shape for the cell.
Cell wall
A thin sheet of lipid and
protein that surrounds the cytoplasm and controls the flow
of materials into and out of the cell pool.
Cell membrane
Extra membrane similar to cell
membrane but also containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Controls flow of materials and portions of it are toxic to
mammals when released.
Outer membrane
Interna component of the prokaryotic cells
bacterial chromosome/nucleoid, ribosomes, actin cytoskeleton, plasmid, endospore, inclusion/granule, cytoplasm
Composed of condensed DNA molecules. DNA directs all genetics and heredity of the cell and codes for all proteins.
Bacterial chromosome or nucleoid
Tiny particles composed of protein and RNA that are the sites of protein synthesis.
Ribosomes
Long fibers of proteins that encircle the cell just inside the cell membrane and contribute to the
shape of the cell.
actin cytoskeleton
Double-stranded DNA circle containing extra genes.
Plasmid
Dormant body formed within
some bacteria that allows for their survival in adverse conditions.
Endospore
Stored nutrients such as fat,
phosphate, or glycogen deposited in dense crystals or particles that can be tapped into when needed.
Inclusion/granule
Water-based solution filling the entire cell.
Cytoplasm
It is the area in biology that is concerned with the phenomena of
dependence of one living organism to another.
Parasitology
