Microbial Classification

Question 1

Define Taxonomy

Answer 1

The science of classifying organisms. While providing universal names for organisms

Question 2

Define Strain

Answer 2

Group of cells within the same species that have a distinct characteristic from others in the same species.

Question 3

What type of data is primarily used to determine phylogenetic relationships among microorganisms

Answer 3

rRNA sequences

Question 4

Define Serology

Answer 4

Using pathogen specific antibodies to identify unknow species.

Question 5

Define PCR

Answer 5

Polymerease Chain Reaction: Amplification of a microbe-specific DNA fragment to detectable levels. If DNA fragment is in the sample then it will amplify, if DNA fragment is not in the sample then it will not amplify.

Question 6

Define Biochemical testing, and provide an example

Answer 6

Testing for the presence of specific bacterial enzymes. (Phenol Red, Catylase test, Citrate test, SPM test. Many other examples) rapid identification of medically important bacteria performs many biochemical test simultaneously.

Question 7

Define Phylogeny

Answer 7

The study of the evolutionary relatedness among organisms.

Question 8

Define classification

Answer 8

Defining relationships between species based on phylogenetic or evolutionary relationships.

Question 9

Define identification

Answer 9

Defining relationships between species utilizing observations and test to identify an unknown

Question 10

What are the microorganism identification methods?

Answer 10

Morphological characteristics, Differential staining, Serology, DNA-based strategies (PCR), Biochemical tests.

Question 11

Define ELISA

Answer 11

Enzme-linked Immunosorbent Assay: Antibody detection of specific pathogenic antigens