prokaryotes- natural habitats

Question 1

what is the human microbiome?

Answer 1

the community of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) that exist in/on the body

Question 2

what is the natural flora?

Answer 2

a population of microorganisms that infect the body without necessarily causing disease. e.g. streptococcus oralis

Question 3

mutualistic interactions

Answer 3

both species benefit

Question 4

commensal interactions

Answer 4

one species benefits and the other is unaffected

Question 5

parasitic interactions

Answer 5

one species benefits and the other suffers

Question 6

what is microbial antagonism?

Answer 6

competition between bacteria for nutrients, so that there are not enough nutrients available for the growth of pathogenic bacteria

Question 7

what is the rhizosphere?

Answer 7

the narrow region of soil that surrounds plant roots containging bacteria, fungi and protozoa > these grow in a biofilm around the root hairs and other exposed surfaces, their presence stimulates the plant to secrete growth factors, e.g: CO2, sugars, amino acids, and vitamins.

Question 8

what are benefits of bacteria in soil?

Answer 8

nitrogen cycle
carbon cycle
sulphur cycle

Question 9

what are detriments of bacteria in soil?

Answer 9

tetanus
gangrene
anthrax

Question 10

what are benefits of bacteria in water?

Answer 10

epilimnion
hypolimnion

Question 11

what are detriments of bacteria in water?

Answer 11

typhoid fever
cholera
shigellosis
campylobacteriosis