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Biology 30 > Microorganisms > Flashcards

Microorganisms Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a microorganism?

A

A microorganism is a microscopic organism, which may exist in unicellular or multicellular forms.

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2
Q

True or False: All microorganisms are harmful to humans.

A

False

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3
Q

Name the four main types of microorganisms.

A

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

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4
Q

Fill in the blank: Bacteria are classified as _______.

A

prokaryotes

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5
Q

What is the primary role of fungi in ecosystems?

A

Decomposition and nutrient cycling.

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6
Q

Which microorganism is known for its ability to photosynthesize?

A

Certain bacteria and algae.

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7
Q

What is the term for a virus that infects bacteria?

A

Bacteriophage

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8
Q

True or False: All viruses contain DNA.

A

False

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9
Q

What is the process by which bacteria reproduce?

A

Binary fission.

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10
Q

Which type of microorganism can form spores?

A

Fungi and some bacteria.

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11
Q

What is the significance of the microbiome in humans?

A

It helps in digestion, immune function, and protection against pathogens.

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12
Q

Fill in the blank: Protozoa are primarily _______.

A

unicellular

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13
Q

What type of microorganism is used in fermentation?

A

Yeast (a type of fungus).

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14
Q

True or False: Microorganisms can only be seen with the naked eye.

A

False

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15
Q

What is antibiotic resistance?

A

The ability of bacteria to survive and grow in the presence of antibiotics.

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16
Q

Name one beneficial use of microorganisms in industry.

A

Production of antibiotics or enzymes.

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17
Q

What are extremophiles?

A

Microorganisms that thrive in extreme environmental conditions.

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18
Q

Fill in the blank: Viruses are not considered _______ because they cannot reproduce independently.

A

living organisms

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19
Q

What is the primary component of bacterial cell walls?

A

Peptidoglycan.

20
Q

Which microorganism is most commonly associated with food spoilage?

A

Molds (fungi).

21
Q

True or False: All fungi are multicellular.

A

False

22
Q

What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

A

Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells do.

23
Q

Name a disease caused by a virus.

A

Influenza.

24
Q

What is the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?

A

They break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients.

25
Q

Fill in the blank: The study of microorganisms is called _______.

A

Microbiology

26
Q

What type of microorganism can be classified as autotrophic?

A

Certain bacteria and algae.

27
Q

True or False: Microorganisms can be found in extreme environments such as hot springs and deep-sea vents.

A

True

28
Q

What is a pathogen?

A

A microorganism that causes disease.

29
Q

Fill in the blank: The process by which microorganisms convert sugars into alcohol is called _______.

A

Fermentation

30
Q

Name one method of controlling microbial growth.

A

Sterilization.

31
Q

What is the main function of the immune system in relation to microorganisms?

A

To recognize and eliminate pathogens.

32
Q

True or False: All protozoa are harmful to humans.

A

False

33
Q

What is a vaccine?

A

A biological preparation that provides immunity to a particular disease.

34
Q

Fill in the blank: The majority of microorganisms are _______ to human health.

A

beneficial

35
Q

What is the significance of nitrogen-fixing bacteria?

A

They convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants.

36
Q

Name a common method for observing microorganisms.

A

Microscopy.

37
Q

What is the role of antibiotics?

A

To kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

38
Q

Fill in the blank: Mycology is the study of _______.

A

fungi

39
Q

What are biofilms?

A

Complex communities of microorganisms adhering to surfaces.

40
Q

True or False: Viruses can infect any type of cell.

A

False

41
Q

What is the difference between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria?

A

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer, whereas gram-negative bacteria have a thin layer and an outer membrane.

42
Q

Fill in the blank: The process of converting nitrogen gas into ammonia is called _______.

A

Nitrogen fixation

43
Q

What is a common characteristic of fungi?

A

They absorb nutrients from their environment.

44
Q

True or False: All microorganisms can cause disease.

A

False

45
Q

What is an example of a protozoan disease?

A

Malaria.

46
Q

Fill in the blank: The enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide in some bacteria is called _______.

A

Catalase

47
Q

What is the term for the genetic material of a virus?

A

Viral genome.

Biology 30 (3 decks)

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