microbiology Flashcards
whats the resolving power of the naked eye
100μm (micrometer)
Resolving power of light microscope
0.2um (micrometer)
how are bacteria named
first name = genus, second name = species
(genus/general is above species in the rank of biological classification, and species is the lowest level of the rank)
FOR EXAMPLE:
homo (genus) sapiens (species)
define pathogen
Organisms that cause/ capable of causing disease within a host
define commensal
organism which colonises a host but causes no disease under normal circumstances
define opportunist pathogen
microbes that inly cause disease in host defences that are compromised (e.g.: immunosuppression)
define virulence/pathogenicity
the degree to which a given organism is pathogenic
define asymptomatic carriage
when a pathogen is carried harmlessly at a tissue site where it causes no disease
true all false: bacteria can colonies in any organ of the body without harm
false, bacteria can colonise on skin surfaces and surfaces of the digestive system. however the lungs an
name 2 categories of bacteria (based on shape)
cocci and rods/Bacillus
how do you determine whether bacteria is gram + or gram -
gram positive bacteria stains purple
name 3 ways in which +1 cocci travel/exist
diplococcus (2 cocci)
chains of cocci
clusters of cocci
name 1 way in which +1 rods travel exist
chains of rods
what other shapes may rod bacteria exist in, other that straight
Curved = VIBRIO Spiral = SPIROCHAETE
What is the difference between gram negative and gram positive bacteria
gram + = single cell membrane (no outer membrane)
gram - = double cell membrane which outer leaflet is made of lipopolysaccharide
note- other leaflet and inner membrane are phospholipids
gram positive bacteria also generally has a thicker layer of peptidoglycan
why do some bacteria have a polysaccharide capsule
to protect from complement cascade during an immune response
define endotoxin
component of the OUTER MEMBRANE (so within the bacterial cell of GRAM NEGATIVE ONLY)
e.g; lipopolysaccharide in gram -
define exotoxin
proteins produced and secreted by the gram + and gram - bacteria that affect and damage the host
can you name 6 difference between exotoxins and endotoxins?
Composition Action Effect of heat Antigenicity Type of bacteria that produces it ability to convert to a toxoid
name 3 ways a bacteria may spread genetic information (resulting in genetic variation)
Transformation (e.g. via plasmid)
Transduction (e.g. vis Phage)
Conjugation (e.g. via sex pilus)
(mutation can also lead to resistance, a genetic variation)
what are mollicutes
a class of bacteria without a cell wall
what is the medical term for a parasitic form
helminths
name 3 types of worms
Cestodes - tape worms
trematodes - flatworms, flukes
nematodes - roundworms
what is the Prepatent period (IMPORTANT)
interval between infection and appearance in eggs In the stool
true of false - hookworms are the most commonest cause of iron-deficiency anaemia in the world
true
what makes bacteria prone to infection
this is due to the fast growth rate - therefore there is more opportunity for mutation to occur
name 3 ways bacteria can spread genetic material and increase variation
Transformation (e.g., via plasmid) - ability to take DNA from the environment and incorporate It for benefit
Transduction (e.g. vid phage - bacterias form of viruses) - movement between bacteria, picking up info and infecting other bacteria with it
Conjugation (e.g. via sex pilus) - like a bacterias way of reproducing
what does it mean for bacteria to be coagulase +Ve
Enzymes are produced by bacteria that clot surrounding blood plasma. fibrin clot formation around the blood