Microbiology Flashcards by Abigail Widan

Definition of Microorganism (Microbe)

Organisms to small to be seen by the naked eye.

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Definition of Microbiologist

A scientist who studies microbiology

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Definition of Microbiology

Study of Micro-organisms

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Definition of SI unit

Standard units of measurement defined by the International System of Units

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What is the smallest micro-organisms?

Viruses

20 - 100nm

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What is the largest micro-organisms? And size?

Protista and Fungi

10um - 100um

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Bacteria size

1um - 5um

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Definition of Binary Fission

Asexual reproduction of a single cell in which it divides by mitosis

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Definition of Unicellular

An organism consisting of only one cell

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Definition of Multicellular

An organism made up of many cells

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Definition of Nucleus

An organelle present in eukaryotic cells, contains genetic material

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Definition of Organelles

A sub-cellular structure that has a specific job to perform in a cell

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Definition of Phylogenetic tree

A diagram that depicts the line of evolutionary descent of organisms.

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Acellular

Non-cellular

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Prokaryotes Characteristics

No true nucleus
DNA is not enclosed by a nuclear membrane
Cell division through binary fission
Absent membrane bound organelles
2 main groups: Bacteria & Archae Bacteria

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Eukaryotes Characteristics

True nucleus
DNA is enclosed by nuclear membrane
Cell division by mitosis
Membrane bound organelles in cytoplasm
4 Kingdoms: Plant, Animal, Fungi, Protista

What are the characteristics of life?

(MRS GREN)

Movement
Respiration
Response to stimuli
Growth
Reproduction
Excretion
Nutrition

Definition of Host

An organism that harbours a parasite.

Definition of Nucleoid

Region within the cell of a prokaryote

Definition of Pathogen

A microorganism that causes diseases

What does obligate intracellular parasites mean?

They cannot multiply without infecting living cells/hosts

Definition of Capsid

The protein coat surrounding the nucleic material of a virus.

Definition of Bacteriophage

A virus that infects bacteria.

Definition of Envelope (virus)

A bubble of lipid surrounding a virus, from the previous host’s cell membrane.

Characteristics of a Virus

- Obligate intracellular parasites - Host specific - Pathogens - Not considered living, they only reproduce in a living host cell - If a virus cannot find a host, becomes dormant

Structure of a Virus

- Acellular - Virus surrounded by a bubble of lipid (envelope) - Core of nucleic acid enclosed by a protein coat (capsid)

Shapes of Viruses

- Rod-shaped - Spherical - Complex/phage (bacteriophage)

Examples of Viruses

- HIV/AIDS - Herpes - Influenza - Covid-19 - Chickenpox

Definition of Autotrophic

Organisms that synthesize its own food

Definition of Heterotrophic

Organism that sources their food from its environment

Definition of Saprotrophic

Organisms that feed on dead organic matter

Definition of Flagella

Whip-like protruding filaments help cell/organism move | singular - flagellum

Characteristics of Bacteria

- Kingdom: Monera - Majority heterotrophs - Feeding forms: - Heterotrophs (parasitic/mutualistic) - Saprotrophic - Autotrophic (photosynthesis/chemosynthesis) - Asexual reproduction: binary fission

Structure of Bacteria

- Unicellular, join together in filaments/colonies - Have cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm with ribosomes, circular DNA strands - No organelles & nucleus - Prokaryote - Some have flagella (to move in liquid)

Shapes of Bacteria

- Rod-shaped (s: Bacillus, p: Bacilli) - Spherical/round (s: Coccus, p: Cocci) - Spiral-shaped (s: Spirillum, p: Spirilla) - Comma-shaped (s: Vibrio, p: Vibrios)