Module 1 - Microbial Classification

Question 1

Microbiology?

Answer 1

the study of organisms and agents too small to be seen clearly by the unaided eye

Question 2

Microorganisms

Answer 2

*Largest population
*Found in every environment
*Play an important role in recycling
*Source of nutrients
*Some are photosynthetic
*Relevant industries (Food, beverages, antibiotics, vitamins)
*Some play a role in disease

Question 3

Microorganisms pt 2

Answer 3

*Relatively simple
*Not highly differentiated
*Don’t form distinct tissues

Question 4

Microbial Members - Prokaryotes

Answer 4

*Lack a true, membrane-bound nucleus
*Simpler morphology

Question 5

Microbial Members - Eukaryotes

Answer 5

*Have a membrane-bound nucleus
*More complex
*Typically larger

Question 6

Three-Domain System

Answer 6

*Based on genetic comparisons, rater than grouping by morphologies

Question 7

Bacteria

Answer 7

*Prokaryotes
*Most are single celled organisms
*Most have peptidoglycan in the cell wall
*Survive in broad environments
*Most are non-pathogenic
*Play an important role in nutrient recycling

Question 8

Archaea

Answer 8

*Prokaryotes
*Key distinguishing feature: unique ribosomal RNA sequences
*Lack peptidoglycan in the cell wall
*Many found in extreme environments
*Some have unusual metabolic characteristics
*No pathogenic species identified to date

Question 9

Eukarya

Answer 9

*Animals, plants, and eukaryotic microorganisms, (Fungi, protists)
*Generally larger than prokaryotes

Question 10

Viruses

Answer 10

• Acellular infectious particles
  *must invade a host cell in order to replicate
  *Microorganism, but not a living organism
  Very small
  *Can cause a range of diseases

Question 11

Relevant industries

Answer 11

*Food spoilage
*Food production (fermentation)
*Water and waste water treatment