Microorganisms N4 Flashcards
What is a microorganism?
An organism which is only visible with a microscope
What can microorganisms be?
Harmful and useful
What is bacteria?
Single celled organisms
What can bacteria cause?
Diseases like food poisoning, tonsillitis, blood poisoning, tetanus, diphtheria and meningitis
What do bacteria cells contain?
Chromosome, cytoplasm, ribosomes, plasmid, membrane and a cell wall
Do bacteria cells contain a nucleus?
NO
Do fungal cells have nuclei?
Yes
Can fungi be harmful?
Yes
What can fungi do?
Create antibiotics, cause diseass
What is yeast used for?
Brewing and baking
How do bacteria cells produce?
They divide
How often can new cells be produced under perfect conditions?
Every 20 minutes
What are colonies?
Groups of bacteria produced by a single parent cell
How do single celled fungi like yeast produce new yeast cells
Budding
How is mould grown?
By new cells being produced
Where are microorganisms found?
Almost everywhere
What are the main type of organisms?
Bacteria and fungi
How do microorganisms grow?
By producing new cells
What do microorganisms need to grow?
Food supply, water, warmth and a suitable pH level
Do microorganisms grow well in salty or sugary conditions?
No
What is penicillin made of? When was it made? And who was it made by?
Fungi, 1928, Alexander Fleming
How are microorganisms are controlled in the industry?
Fermenters
What is a fermenter?
A container in which microorganisms are cultured
What does yeast do in baking?
Makes bubbles of carbon dioxide gas which causes dough to rise
What does yeast break down in beer brewing?
Sugar in barley which makes alcohol
In wine making what is the sugar in grapes broken down to?
Alcohol
What causes the milk to thicken?
Acids
What are biofuels made from?
Microorganisms
What is a biofuel?
A fuel made by a biological process
What is bioethanol?
A biofuel produced from the sugar and starch in crops such as corn
What is biodiesel?
A biofuel produced from oils and fats
What is a biogas?
A biofuel produced from biodegradable wastes
