The Microbial World Flashcards
What is a microorganism?
- bacteria
- microbial eukaryotes
- archaea
When do we use the term ‘microbe’?
When we want to refer to microorganisms AND viruses
What did Robert Hooke discover and what didn’t he discover? (options: microorganisms, bacteria, archaea, viruses)
- Discovered Microorganisms
- Did not discover bacteria, archaea, viruses
Who is the first to see and describe bacteria?
Antoine van Leeuwenhoek
Who is credited as the father of Microbiology?
Antoine van Leeuwenhoek
What are some examples of microbial importance for humans?
- Making essential amino acids and vitamins
- Aiding digestion
- Fixing Nitrogen
- Breaking down organic material
- producing food and drink
- making Oxygen
- Biotechnology
If all microbes were to disappear tomorrow, which of the following would NOT be a consequence that humans would notice?
A. Problems w digestion B. Problems with breathing C. Wastewater treatment plant failures D. Fermented food supply issues E. Crop failures
B. Problems with breathing
What makes microorganisms excellent model systems for experimentation?
- short generation times
- inexpensive/easy to grow
- small number of genes makes it easier to sequence and assemble genomes and study functions of genes
What are the 6 requirements for microbial life?
- Metabolism
- Growth
- Reproduction
- Genetic Variation/Evolution
- Adaptation to external environment
- Homeostasis
What is the dry weight of polypeptides in a cell (%)?
50-55%
What is the dry weight of DNA in a cell (%)?
2-5%
What is the dry weight of RNA in a cell (%)?
15-20%
What is the dry weight of lipids in a cell (%)?
10%
What is the dry weight of sugars in a cell (%)?
6-7%
What are polypeptides?
building blocks for enzymes + other proteins
What is one function of proteins within a cell?
To catalyze chemical reactions
Arrange the following in order from least to most abundant in a cell by dry weight:
- Polypeptides
- Lipids
- RNA
- Polysaccharides
- DNA
DNA, Polysaccharides, Lipids, RNA, Polypeptides
What are the nucleic acids?
DNA and RNA
What is the purpose of nucleic acids?
- DNA stores genetic information
- RNA is important for gene expression
What does mRNA do?
encodes for proteins and is involved in transcription and translation
What does rRNA do?
assists ribosomes with structural and catalytic properties
What is the purpose of a lipid bilayer? What is it often embedded with and for what reason?
- separates cell interior from exterior
- often embedded w polysaccharides + polypeptides who serve as transporters for materials in and out of the cell
Which is the true statement?
A. Most molecules pass freely through the plasma membrane.
B. Transporter proteins are embedded in the plasma membrane.
C. The plasma membrane does not contain proteins.
D. Lipids comprise approximately 50% of cell mass by dry weight.
B. Transporter proteins are embedded in the plasma membrane.
What is the purpose of polysaccharides?
- Provide structural and energy storage compounds within the cell
All microorganisms can be classified into 2 groups. What are the names of these groups?
- Prokaryotic
- Eukaryotic
What are the two subgroups of Prokaryotes?
Bacteria and Archaea
What is the definition of a Prokaryotic cell?
A cell with no nucleus
What is the definition of a Eukaryotic cell?
A cell with a nucleus
What is “the tree of life” based on?
rRNA sequences
What are the three domains of life?
Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya
What did Carl Woese discover?
Arhaea