Micro 1 - Bacterial Basics Flashcards
Which type of bacteria has a fixed Peptidoglycan layer AKA cell wall?
G(+)
Which type of bacteria has Lipoteichoic acid and what does it do?
G(+). Contains lipids and teichoic acid. It induces IL-1 and TNF-alpha.
What are three acute phase cytokines?
- IL-1
- IL-6
- TNF-alpha
What bacterial structure mediates adherence of bacteria to the surface of a cell?
Fimbriae. They are hair-like structures that allows bacteria to colonize membranes throughout the body.
What do G(-) bacteria have that G(+) don’t have on their structure?
- Outer membrane: Site of endotoxin (LPS). Also induces IL-1 and TNF-alpha.
- Periplasmic space: Site of beta-lactamase.
What do pilli in the bacterial membrane do?
Serves to link bacteria in conjugation: allows transfer of DNA from one bacteria to another.
What is glycocalyx?
It is a gelatinous, polysaccharide coating that aids in attachment to foreign material. It can be either in capsule form or biofilm/slime.
What is the name for glycocalyx in an organized and firmly adherent?
Capsule.
What is the name for glycocalyx that is loosely adherent and less organized structure?
Biofilm/slime.
What is the Quellung reaction?
It is a test to see if the bacteria in question has a capsule or not. Anti-capsular serum is added to bacteria. If there is a capsule, it appears swollen under microscope.
[Quellung equals SWELLung].
Name 8 encapsulated bacteria.
[Even Some Pretty Nasty Killers Have Shiny Bodies]
- E. coli (some strains)
- Strep. pneumoniae
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Neisseria meningitidis
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenzae type B
- Salmonella typhi
- Group B Streptococcus
What three big time baller bacteria that are encapsulated and cause high rate mortality, especially in patients with spleenectomy?
[SHiN]
- Strep pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenza
- Neisseria meningitidis
What yeast is encapsulated and can be identified with India ink stain?
Cryptococcus neoformans.
What are the ribosomal subunit for prokaryotes?
70S (50S and 30S)
What are the ribosomal subunits for eukaryotes?
80S (60s and 40s)
What are plasmids?
Pieces of genetic material separate from chromosomal DNA. They can carry genes for antibiotic resistance or toxin production. They can be transferred during conjugation.