Introduction to Microbiology Flashcards

1
Q

What are microorganisms ?

A

creatures that are too small to be seen with the naked eye
- includes both prokaryotes and eukaryotes
- range in size

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2
Q

What is an example of the smallest microorganism ?

A

viruses

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3
Q

What is an example of the largest microorganisms ?

A

parasites and fungi

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4
Q

What are prokaryotes ?

A

means pre-nucleus
- no membrane bound organelles
- have no true nucleus
- Ex.) bacteria

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5
Q

What are Eukaryotes ?

A

means “true-nucleus”
- possess membrane bound organelles
- Ex.) parasites, amoeba, paramecium, man

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6
Q

Are viruses microorganisms as well ?

A

yes
- consist of protein and nucleic acid
- viroids and prions as well

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7
Q

What is the function of the Flagellum ?

A

provides some motility
- Protus Miriabilis is an example of a bacteria that has high motility because of the flagellum

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8
Q

What is the function of the Fimbria ?

A

helps bacteria stick to each other and surfaces
- small bristle like fibers on surface

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9
Q

What is the function of the Pillus ?

A

for sexual reproduction through conjugation
- elongated, rigid tubular structure

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10
Q

What is conjugation ?

A

where DNA is transferred from one cell to another
- bacteria become resistant to drugs through this

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11
Q

What is the function of the cell envelope ?

A

protects the cell
- composed of the glycocalyx, cell wall, and cell membrane

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12
Q

What is the function of the cell membrane ?

A

controls in/out transport of substances
- via proteins in membrane
- right on the surface of the cell

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13
Q

What is the function of the cell wall ?

A

provides rigidity, strength, and protection
- site of action of some of the most effective antibiotics
- in many species causes symptoms of disease

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14
Q

What is the function of the glycocalyx (external layer) ?

A

helps protect cell, and helps cell adhere to its environment
- consists of the slime layer and capsule

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15
Q

What is the function of the slime layer ?

A

aids bacteria in colonizing surfaces (attaches to surface)
- not bound to cell
- lets bacteria slide along surface

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16
Q

What is the function of the capsule ?

A

makes bacteria more virulent and protects bacteria from phagocytosis by the cells of the host
- protects the bacteria from WBC which can easily destroy the bacteria without the capsule
- bound to cell
- thick gummy consistency
- prevents bacteria from drying out
- aids in attachment to surfaces for colonization

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17
Q

What is the purpose of phagocytosis ?

A

cells engulfs and destroy microorganisms
- way for the immune system to destroy bacteria

18
Q

What is the function of Protoplasm ?

A

site of biochemical and synthetic activity
- contains: 70-80% H2O, sugars, amino acids, salts, enzymes, chromatin body, ribosomes, mesosomes, granules

19
Q

What is the function of the Chromatin Body ?

A

DNA aggregates in dense area called the nucleoid
- bacterial chromosome in prokaryotes
- don’t have a true nucleus
- where most genetic material is found

20
Q

What is the purpose of the Plasmid ?

A

circular piece of genetic material in prokaryotes that is outside of the chromosome
- provides resistance to drugs
- Advantage of man: use this in genetic engineering techniques
- not every bacterium has one

21
Q

What is the function of the ribosomes ?

A

used in protein synthesis

22
Q

What is the function of Inclusion Granules ?

A

concentrate nutrients inside the cells, storage. & are not permanent
- where bacteria will store excess material when not needed (temporary)

23
Q

Do viruses have DNA or RNA ?

A

their genetic material can be either
- but never both

24
Q

Do viruses contain a true cell ?

A

no
- they do have a protein coat

25
What are viroids ?
infectious genetic material
26
What are prions ?
infectious proteins that infect others and makes them infectious as well - always fatal - no cure - Ex.) Mad Cow Disease
27
Where is the genetic material of a prokaryote ?
in the nucleoid - only about 1 chromosome
28
Does every bacteria has a pilus ?
no
29
How does a donor bacteria exchange it's genetic material ?
through the donor's pilus
30
What genetic material can be exchanged by the pilus ?
the plasmid (the circular genetic material in prokaryotes) - not the chromosomes
31
Why can conjugation cause bacteria to become resistant to drugs ?
the plasmid tend to have factors that make bacteria more resistant
32
What is the outermost later of the bacteria ?
glycocalyx
33
What is the innermost layer of the bacteria ?
cell membrane
34
What gives the bacteria cell its shape ?
cell wall
35
What is the difference between the cell wall in a Gram + and - bacteria ?
the cell wall is way thicker in Gram +
36
What makes up the glycocalyx ?
coating of macromolecules
37
What makes up the slime layer ?
loose soluble polysaccharides
38
What in the bacteria can cause it to be more virulent ?
the capsule
39
What is chemotaxis ?
chemical attraction of phagocyte to the bacteria - the way the phagocyte looks for the bacteria they are trying to destroy
40
What is adherence ?
attachment of phagocyte plasma membranes to microorganisms
41
Where in the cell is most antibiotics most effective ?
cell wall
42
What is the chemical structure of the cell wall ?
peptidoglycan - what gives the cell wall that structure - only found in bacteria - similar to chitin (which gives lobster insects that crunch)