Lecture 2 Flashcards
What are bacteria, and where can they be found?
Bacteria are single-celled prokaryotes, found in habitats ranging from extreme environments such as hot springs and saltwater to the human stomach, e.g., E. coli and Staphylococcus.
What are fungi, and how do they reproduce?
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that can be multicellular or single-celled. They reproduce through spores. Examples include mushrooms, molds, and yeasts.
What are viruses, and how do they replicate?
Viruses are non-cellular microorganisms that infect and live in other cells. They cannot replicate without a host cell. Examples include cold sores, chickenpox, and HIV.
What conditions are necessary for microorganisms to grow?
Nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and trace elements)
Oxygen (for aerobic organisms)
Water (for metabolism)
Temperature (different organisms thrive at different temperatures)
Acidity and pH (Bacteria thrive between a pH of 4 and 9; yeasts and molds can tolerate lower pHs)
How are microorganisms grown in controlled conditions?
By using various culture media like solid, liquid, broths, and agars. The media must contain all necessary nutrients for growth.
What is D-value?
D-value is the time required to reduce a microbial population by 90% (1 log10) at a specified temperature.
What is Z-value?
Z-value is the temperature change required to reduce the D-value by 90%. It shows how sensitive microorganisms are to temperature changes
Define the terms: Aerobic, Anaerobic, Mesophile, and Thermophile.
Aerobic: Requires oxygen for respiration.
Anaerobic: Doesn’t need oxygen for respiration.
Mesophile: Grows best between 20°C and 40°C.
Thermophile: Grows best at high temperatures, between 80°C and 85°C.
How can microorganisms be identified, and why is it significant?
By using streak plating, colony morphology, staining techniques, microscopy, and DNA testing Identifying them is crucial for detecting them in the environment, tracking them, and ensuring product safety.
Why is controlling microorganism growth important in medicinal products?
It’s important to prevent contamination, ensure sterile drug production, protect patients, and eliminate contamination in medicines.
What are methods for controlling microorganisms?
Disinfection: Using chemicals like ethanol or bleach.
Sanitization: Reducing the population to safe levels (e.g., personal hygiene).
Sterilization: Completely killing or removing microorganisms via chemicals, radiation, filtration, or heat.
What is aseptic technique, and why is it important?
Aseptic technique is performing procedures under sterile conditions, important for producing sterile products.
What activities are performed aseptically in a work environment?
Working in a laminar flow cabinet
Environmental sampling
Media and product preparation
What are microbial product testing methods in the biopharmaceutical sector?
Environmental Monitoring: Testing equipment, surfaces, and personnel.
Bioburden Testing: Measuring the microbial load in a sample.
Sterility Testing: Ensuring products are free of microorganisms.
Virus Testing: Detecting viruses in samples.
