Introduction to microorganisms Flashcards
State the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms
Prokaryote organisms don’t have a nucleus and their DNA is not enclosed within a membrane, they are in once continuous loop. Eukaryotic microorganisms divide by mitosis which is more complex than binary fission that prokaryotic cells divide by
Beneficial bacteria…..
Assist with various body processes and/or crowd out and prevent infection by harmful bacteria
Opportunistic bacteria…
often effect damaged tissue and is potentially harmful and can cause disease under certain conditions
Capsule function
aids in attachment to surfaces + protects pathogenic bacteria
cell wall structure/function
composed of peptidyglocan + offers protection and maintains shape
cell membrane structure/function
selectively permeable, allowing only some molecules to pass through
cytoplasm structure/function
80% water, substance of cell inside membrane
Ribosome structure/function
protein synthesis, found in random groupings
Pilli
Helps cells attach to surfaces and transfers genetic information
flagellum
helps move towards or away from favourable environment
endospore
specialised resting cells, very resistant to heating + drying. Do not reproduce
Main characteristics of fungi
Eukaryote cells include moulds and yeasts. They are classified by how they reproduce, different fungi reproduce in different ways. Budding is one way with spores or hyphae extension
superficial fungal infection
occurs on the outer parts of the body eg, athletes foot or ringworm
Systemic fungal infection
Affects tissues and organs deep within the body eg. lungs
Opportunistic fungal infection
caused by fungi that are normally harmless eg. vaginal or oral thrush caused by Candida albicans
