Microbiology Flashcards
What are the difference between eukaryotes and prokaryotes?
Eukaryotes have a more complex structure, they have multiple chromosomes, a more complex cell wall, larger in size.
What is the order of viruses bacteria and eukaryotes from largest to smallest?
- Eukaryotes
- Bacteria
- Viruses
Name four ways in which bacteria can be classified into species.
- Visible properties
- Physiological properties
- Characteristic surface molecule
- Phylogenetically
What colour are gram negative and gram positive bacteria?
Gram positive – blue
Gram negative – red
What shape are streptococci bacteria?
They are spherical
What shape are bacilli bacteria?
They are rod shaped
What is capsule layer and an advantage of it?
It is the outer layer of some bacteria. It protects bacteria from being injected by white blood cells
What structure allows bacteria to move around?
Flagella
What is the main function of the rigid cell wall found in bacteria?
It provide cell with structural support and protection
How do antibiotics target peptidoglycans?
They target the enzymes that support the synthesis of peptidoglycans thus inhibiting it’s synthesis, which destroys cell structure and integrity
What bacteria contain LPS?
Gram negative bacteria
What is an acid?
Acids are solutions that donate the hydrogen ions when placed in water
What happens during the introduction of acid to the oral system in regards to hydroxyapatite?
- Ions in the oral environment exist in both crystalline states like hydroxyapatite and as free ions
- Ions need to be in constant equilibrium
- When acid is introduced, it is able to bind with free ions in the oral environment and reduce their amount
- In response, crystalline structure is broken down to release more free ions and reach equilibrium
What are the three main pH buffers in saliva and blood?
- A weak acid in a form of carbonic acid
- Phosphates
- Proteins
When can remineralisation occur?
- When the pH stabilises and is above the critical pH
- When there is an adequate amount of free ions
Name 3 components of saliva that have anti-bacterial properties.
- Non-immunological defences
- Physico-chemical barriers
- Immunological barriers
What role does lactoferrin play in reducing bacterial growth?
Lactoferrin is an iron binding found on mucosal surfaces. Lactoferrin is able to deprive microbes of essential iron by binding iron in saliva, lowering the ability to aquire oxygen. Lactoferrin also enhances lysozyme action.
What role do salivary mucins play in reducing numbers of oral bacteria?
Mucins are able to agglutinate microbe and aid their removal
What is acquired pellicle?
It is layer on the tooth surfaces that consists of different protein, lipids and particles that creates the initial protective layer of the tooth
What anti-bacterial enzyme is found in high concentration on tears and saliva? What is it’s mechanism of action against bacteria?
Lysozyme. It is able to hydrolyse peptidoglycans which are present on bacterial cells walls. It than triggers autolysins which cause bacterial degradation.
What are histatins and how do they interfere with the growth of oral bacteria?
Histatins are small peptides which are secreted by submandibular and parotid glands. They are able to interfere with membrane integrity of the bacterial membrane.
What are defensins?
Defensins are small antimicrobial peptides that are present in the granules of phagocytic cells thus are able to kill bacteria there
What is the main immunoglobin found in saliva that prevents attachment of bacterial cells?
It is IgA, even though IgG and IgM are also present in the GCF