Module 1 (L1-5) Flashcards
Describe binary fission
the cell elongates and the chromosomal DNA is replicated. Chromosome migrates to the end of each cell, cross wall (septum) forms and then the cells separate
what is the mean generation time
the time it takes for one cell to divide (the whole population)
what determines the shape of the bacterial cell
the shape depends on the plane of division during binary fission
how does having a small surface area benefit a cell
because the SA to volume ratio is increased so the uptake of nutrients is increased hence a larger growth rate
does a rod or cocci cell have a greater surface area?
a rod
require molecular oxygen for aerobic respiration
aerobes
prefer the absence of oxygen and carry out anaerobic respiration or fermentation
anaerobes
what is the final electron acceptor in the electron chain in aerobic respiration
oxygen or some other oxidant
what is the final electron acceptor in anaerobic respiration
an exogenous molecule eg nitrate or sulphate
how is ATP synthesized in fermentation and what is the final electron acceptor?
ATP is synthesized via substrate-level phosphorylation and the electron acceptor is endogenous eg pyruvate
describe the ways that organisms are classified based on their requirements for carbon, energy and electrons
phototrophs, chemotrophs, lithotrophs, organotrophs, heterotrophs, autotrophs
how does temperature affect microbial growth?
minimum - things happen slowly
optimum - most efficient
maximum - cell dies
what are the physical factors for growth requirement?
gaseous atmosphere, temperature, pH, osmotic pressure
what are the chemical factors that affect growth ?
water and energy and electron source
whart are the 2 categories according to energy source?
phototrophs, chemotrophs
phototroph
derive energy from sunlight
chemotroph
derive energy from the oxidation of chemical compounds
what are the 2 categories for the electron source
lithotrophs, organotrophs
lithotroph
the carbon source is from reduced inorganic substances
organotrophs
the carbon source is from reduced organic compounds
what are the 2 categories for carbon source
autotrophs, heterotrophs
autotrophs
utilise only inorganic carbon in the form of CO2
heterotrophs
utilise organic carbon (proteins, carbs, lipids)
how can oxygen be toxic
oxygen has to be converted by metabolic enzymes into highly reactive derivatives such as the superoxide free radical (O2-), which is very damaging to cells. Aerobes and most facultative organisms convert superoxide free radical to hydrogen peroxide by means of the chemical superoxide dismutase. This is further broken down by catalase or peroxidase. Anaerobes do not possess these enzymes and so cannot tolerate oxygen.
obligate aerobe
need oxygen and have SOD and catalase
facultative anaerobe
prefer oxygen and have SOD and catalase
aerotolerant anaerobe
tolerate oxygen and have SOD but no catalase
strict anaerobe
oxygen is toxic and have no SOD or catalase
mircoaerophile
2-10% oxygen and have SOD and catalase in low levels