Lecture 1/2 - Introduction to Bacteria Flashcards
What is PCR?
Polymerase Chain Reaction
How does PCR relate to Koch’s postulates?
Isolation of microbe along with identification
What is the ID based on when PCR is used?
NA amplification
Amplification of gene sequences
Sequence must be KNOWN!
What is a pro to using PCR?
Growth in pure culture is not needed.
What are the two components to a bacteria’s name?
Genus + Species
What is another component to the name of some bacteria?
Serotype
What are the categories for bacterial morphology?
Size
Shape
Arrangement of cells
What is the average range when it comes to the size of a bacteria?
0.2 to 2.0 um in diameter
What is the order (small to large) of the following:
Bacillus - Spirochete - Coccus
Coccus - Bacillus - Spirochete
Describe coccus.
Spheres/round
Describe bacillus.
Rod
Describe vibrio.
Curved rod
What are the two subtypes of spiral?
Spirillum + Spirochete
Describe Spirillum.
Rigid, sprial-shaped rod
Describe spirochete.
Flexible, thin, spiral-shaped rod
Describe coccobacillus.
Short rod
What is pleomorphic?
One species but several different kinds of shapes
What type of bacteria are arrangements most likely to describe?
Coccus
What is strepto?
Chain
Describe staphylo?
Grape-like cluster
What are the three major parts to the cell envelope of a bacteria?
Glycocalyx + Cell wall + Cytoplasmic membrane
What are the two things that a glycocalyx can form?
Capsule + Slime layer
What is the glycocalyz made from?
Polysaccharides + glycoproteins
Where is the glycocalyx located?
Outside of the cell wall
What special structures does the glycocalyx add to bacteria like e. coli and salmonella?
K + V antigen
What are the K and Vi antigen found on the glycocalyx?
Used for serotyping
What is the function of the glycocalyx?
Protects from drying out, from phagocytosis, and toxins
Promotes adherence to host cell = biofilm
Can be a virulent factor in some bacteria
What bacteria is virulent when a glycocaylx is present?
Streptococcus pneumoniae
What is an antigen?
Molecule that binds to Ab or Ag receptors on T/B cells
What is an immunogen?
Antigen that causes an immune response
What are the characteristics of the slime layer?
Loose, non-uniform
More diffuse
What are the characteristics of a capsule?
Rigid, uniform and closely surrounds cell
What is used to ID a capsule?
Quellung test - ID’s by serotyping
What is clinically important about the cell wall of a bacteria?
Tells you if it is gram +/- or acid fast. tells you what kind of antibiotic you should try
What two genera do not have a cell wall?
Mycoplasm + Ureaplasm
Where is the cell wall located?
Outside cell membrane
What is the function of the cell wall?
Maintain shape
Prevent uptake of too much H2O
Why is uptake of H2O a big concern?
Bacteria live in a hypotonic environment, water is constantly trying to get into cell due to concentration gradient.
What is the main component of the cell wall?
Peptidoglycan
What is the backbone of the cell wall made of?
Repeating disaccharides (NAG-NAM)
What links the backbone of the cell wall in bacteria?
Transglycosylation via glucosidases
What does PEP attach to in the cell wall?
NAM
What is crosslinked in the cell wall?
PEP - Pentapeptide
What crosslinks PEP?
Transpeptidation via transpeptidase
What PEP structure is special in gram-positive bacteria?
Pentaglycine bridge
What bacteria has pentaglycine bridge?
Staphylococcus spp.
What is the primary stain for gram staining?
Crystal violet
What is the counterstain for gram staining?
Safranin