Major Introductory Concepts Flashcards
Going over definitions and basic concepts as foundations
What is the kingdom classification of bacteria?
Kingdom Monera: Prokaryote
Describe features of bacteria as prokaryotes
- Simple, single celled
- Reproduce quickly
- Loose DNA and chromosomes
- No nucleus
What are the four bacterial shapes?
- Cocci
- Bacilli
- Spirals
- Spirochetes
Most human diseases are caused by what type of bacteria?
Spirochetes
Mycology is the study of…
simple plants known as fungi and yeast
What is the kingdom classification of fungi and yeast?
Kingdom fungi: Eukaryote
What are features of fungi as eukaryotes?
- Multi-cellular
- Contain a nucleus
- Reproduction slower than bacteria
How does fungi compare to more complex plants?
Lack chlorophyl: no respiration, no glucose
What is the purpose of fungi?
Decompose infected substrate
What are the two fungal shapes?
Yeast and mold
How large can mold become?
Can become the world’s largest life form
Virology is the study of…
viruses and prions
What is the kingdom classification of viruses and prions?
No kingdom because non-living
80% of human disease and death is caused by…
viruses
Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites. What does this mean?
They need a host to replicate
Which microbe is smallest?
Viruses; millions can infect a cell
What are the possible viral shapes?
- Cylindrical
- Polyhedral
- Spherical
- Complex (bacteriophage)
Parasitology is the study of…
simple and complex animals
What are the two kingdoms of parasites?
Kingdom Protista and Animalia
What are examples of Kingdom Protista: Protozoa?
Microscopic, simple, single-celled parasites causing incredible symptoms
What are Kingdom Animalia: Helminths?
Macroscopic worms
What are Phylum: Nemahelminthes?
Round worms (more advanced)
What are Phylum: Platyhelminthes?
Flat worms (less advanced)
What are the two phylums of helminths?
Nemahelminthes: round worms
Platyhelminthes: flat worms
What is the only overtly symptomatic STD to women? What type of microbe is its cause?
Trichomoniasis: protozoan parasite
What is giardia? What type of microbe is its cause?
Beaver fever, a nasty GI disease common in dogs
Protozoan parasite
As a protozoan parasite, does giardia need a host?
No
If you have tapeworm, how many are likely to be infesting?
Usually only one
If you have roundworms, how many are likely to be infesting?
Many infest at once