Microbial Ecology Deck (Final)

Question 1

Describe the 3 steps of the carbon cycle.

Answer 1

1) Autotrophs turn CO2 into organics
2) Heterotrophs consume autotrophs
3) Carbon re-enters atmosphere

Question 2

Name the 4 steps of the nitrogen cycle (HINT: DAND).

Answer 2

1) Deamination
2) Ammonification
3) Nitrification
4) Denitrification

Question 3

Describe the 3 steps of the sulfur cycle.

Answer 3

1) Sulfates incorporate into plants, animals, bacteria as disulfide bonds in proteins
2) Proteins decompose releasing H2S
3) Lithotrophs oxidize H2S into sulfates

Question 4

Environmental phosphorus primarily exists as…

Answer 4

A phosphate ion

Question 5

These 2 types of processes describe the interaction between microbes and their ecosystems.

Answer 5

1) Assimilation
2) Dissimilation

Question 6

Process by which organisms acquire elements to build cells

Answer 6

What is assimilation?

Question 7

Process of breaking down organic nutrients into inorganic minerals

Answer 7

What is dissimilation?

Question 8

How do microbes influence biogeochemical cycles?

Answer 8

Fixing certain elements for environmental use

Question 9

Use of microbes to detoxify or degrade pollutants

Answer 9

What is bioremediation?

Question 10

The introduction of cultured microorganisms into a contaminated environment to enhance bioremediation of pollutants

Answer 10

What is bioaugmentation?

Question 11

Process by which an entire body of water, or parts of it, becomes progressively enriched with minerals and nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus

Answer 11

What is eutrophication?