Topic 1 Check Your Understanding Flashcards
What are some of the destructive actions of microbes?
food spoilage and cause of disease
What are some of the beneficial actions of microbes?
break down waste, treat sewage, control pests
food, chemical, and drug production
human microbe: aid in digestion, synthesize vitamins, train immune system
Who developed the identification used in microbiology today?
Carolus Linnaeus in 1735
What is a genus?
the first part of a scientific name; identifies the genus (generic name) which the species belongs to; always capitalized
What is a specific epithet?
the second part of a scientific name; identifies the specific name and distinguishes the species within the genus; always lowercase
What microbes are prokaryotes?
bacteria and archae
Describe bacteria
- shapes include bacillus (rodlike), coccus (spherical), and spiral
- cell walls have peptidoglycan
- reproduce via binary fission
- movement via flagells
Describe archae
- cell walls have NO peptidoglycan
- live in extreme environments
- three types: methanogens, extreme halophiles (salty), extreme thermophiles
What microbes are eukaryotes?
fungi, protozoa, algea
Describe fungi
- cell walls made of chitin
- can be unicellular or multicellular
- size is larger than bacteria
Describe protozoa
- unicellular
- move via flagella, pseudopods, or chillia
Describe algaw
- photosynthetic
- cell wall is made of cellulose
Describe viruses
- acellular
- very, very small
- simple structure: core made of RNA or DNA surrounded by a protein coat
- reproduce only by using the cellular machinery of other organisms
What are the three domains of life?
bacteria, archaea, and eukarya
What is one of the early instances of ancient microbiology?
prehistoric people took advantage of fermentation to preserve and enhance the taste of food