Lecture 1 Flashcards
What is an extremophile?
A microorganism specialized at living under extreme conditions
What is a halophile?
Microorganism that lives in high salt conditions
What is a thermopile?
Microorganisms that thrive at temperatures between 60• -120•
What is a cryophile?
Microorganisms that grow at 15• or lower
What is an acidophile?
Microorganism whose optimum pH is at or below 3
What is an alkaliphile?
A microorganism whose optimum pH is at 9 or higher
What is a xerophile?
A microorganism that lives in extremely dry conditions
What are the 7 basic shapes for bacteria?
Coccus, Bacillus, Coccobacillus, Fusiform bacillus, vibrio, spirillum, spirochete
What do you use brightfield microscopy for?
Gram stained organisms
What do you use darkfield microscopy for?
Examination of thin organisms against a dark background
What do you use phase contrast microscopy for?
To observe live, unstained organisms
What do you use fluorescence microscopy for?
Immuno diagnostic purposes via dyes attached to organisms
What do you use scanning electron microscopy for?
Examination of surface features of cells/viruses as image appears 3D
What would you use transmission electron microscopy for?
Examination of cellular and viral ultra structure as internal features are shown
What is the purpose of a flagella?
Movement (via proton-motif force)
What is the purpose of a fimbriae?
NOT movement, but to adhere to hosts or for exchange of genetic material
What is the purpose of Slime Layers
Used for gliding, aggregation and formation of biofilms
What is the purpose of a capsule?
Protection from desiccation and the immune system
What is an endospore?
A bacteriums last ditch attempt at survival, as it can lie dormant for many years waiting for the correct environmental conditions
What is an isolate?
A pure microbial sample from an infected individual
What is a strain?
A genetic variant of a species
What is a serotype?
A subtype of a bacteria that can be identified by specific antibodies
What is a pathovar?
A subtype of a bacteria which invades a specific type of tissue or host
Does a gram negative or positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer?
Positive
How many cell membranes does a gram negative bacteria have?
2
What colours are the posiitve and negative results of the gram stain?
Positive is blue, negative is red
