Unit 1 Test Lecture's #1-#7 Flashcards
Define Microbiology
The study of microorganisms
What is a microbe?
A microorganism, especially one causing disease
What 6 types of microorganisms did we talk about in class?
Bacteria, algae, viruses, protozoa, fungi, helminths
Be able to identify the mode of nutrition (autotroph, heterotroph, saprotroph) and other general characteristics (body shapes, sizes, general structure, etc.) of each type.
Autotroph – Able to create it’s own food
Heterotroph – Food completely from its environment
Saprotroph – Get food from environment, but specifically dead matter (e.g. Fungi)
Define: Eukaryote and Prokaryote. Describe the main differences (e.g. do they both have DNA? If yes, is it the same structure? Is the DNA bound by a membrane? Are the cells different sizes? Do they have the same external features? Organelles?)
-They both have DNA.
-Prokayotic DNA is circular, while eukaryotic DNA is linear
-However, eukaryotes have their DNA in a membrane bound nucleus, prokaryotes are free floating
-Prokaryotes are single chromosome
-Eukaryotic cells are generally bigger
-Both cells have a cell membrane.
-Most prokaryotes have cell walls, while only some eukaryotes have cell walls
-Prokaryotes are unicellular, while eukaryotes are generally multicellular
-Prokaryotes lack nucleus, mitochondria, ER, Golgi body
Microbes have many functions. One of these functions is decomposition. Which microbes are responsible for decomposition and why is this function so important?
Bacteria and fungi are responsible for decomposition. This function is important as it allows the recycling of material. Without it, many of the Earth’s natural processes would come to a complete stop.
Microbes can also function as producers in ecosystems as well as symbionts. What is the importance of these roles and can you provide an example of each.
Producer – Both bacteria and algae produce much of the world’s oxygen
-Photosynthetic bacteria / eukaryotic algae
Symbiont – Fungi in symbiotic relationships w/ plants
-Gut flora
What other functions/roles do microbes play? (e. g. How did microbes such as cyanobacteria help shape the composition of the current atmosphere here on earth?)
Microbes contribute to:
Energy flow, food (nutrients in soil), biomass production, atmosphere alteration and symbiotic relationships
-Cyanobacteria are responsible for oxygenating the atmosphere and oceans
Which tool was essential is the first identification of microbes?
The microscope
What is the difference between sterile and aseptic?
Sterile means an environment where all microorganisms and their spores have been eliminated, while aseptic refers to the precautions taken to prevent microorganisms being reintroduced to an environment.
What is the germ theory of disease and which biologists are recognized as founding it?
The theory proposed that microorganisms can be the cause of disease
Koch and Pasteur are recognized as founding it
What is the name given to those microbes that are disease-causing agents?
What is a parasite?
What is a vector?
Over the years the major health risks have shifted from disease-causing agents [pathogenic microbes!!] (tuberculosis, pneumonia, diarrhea) to those that are NOT caused by microbes (heart disease etc.). Why? – How has the risk for infection been reduced?
Pathogens = Disease-causing microbes
Parasite – An organism that lives within or an another organism, benefitting from its expense
Vector – Something that can carry and potentially transfer a pathogen to another organism
General aspetic technique, public education regarding hygiene practices and information on microbe-germ theory
What are the human uses of microorganisms that we discussed in class? Define biotechnology and genetic engineering and provide examples of both.
Vaccines, food production (fermentation; bread, cheese wine), sewage treatment
Biotechnology - When microbes are manipulated to make products in an industrial setting.
- biodiesel from algae!
Genetic Engineering - Manipulates the genetics of microbes (plants, or animals) for desirable traits
- GMO Corn
Taxonomy: what are the three domains of life?
What are the five kingdoms?
What is phylogeny?
Why have archaea been separated from bacteria if they are both prokaryotes?
To which, bacteria or eukaryotes are the archaea most closely related? What is the classification scheme of organisms within a domain (i.e. kingdom, phylum . . . )? As you go from Kingdom to species, individuals get [MORE or LESS?] closely related?
Domains: Bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes
Kingdoms: Algae, Animals, Fungi, Plants, Protozoa
Phylogeny – study of evolutionary relationships between organisms
One of the main reasons archaea and bacteria are separate is due to bacteria having a peptidoglycan cell wall and archaea having a polysaccharide cell wall.
Archaea are more closely related to eukaryotes
Classification: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species
As you go from Kingdom to Species, individuals get more closely related
What is the correct way to write a name of an organism using its genus and species (what is capitalized? Is anything italicized?)? This system of using 2 names to identify an organism is called _______________________________.
Genus-Species
- Genus is capitalized
- Entire name is italicized
Binomial nomenclature
