W4 L3 Microbe Classification and ecology Flashcards
What is taxonomy?
Is a field of science that deals with 2 seperate but related areas
Identify the 3 systems system used for microorganisms
Classification
Nomenclature
Identification
Define classification
The process of arranging organisms into groups or taxa
Define nomenclature
Is the assignment of names to various taxa
Define identification
the process of determing whether organisms belongs within one of the taxas, or to be assigned to a new one
Identify 5 ways that can be used to classify bacteria
Obligate aerobes Obligate anaerobes Microaerophile Aerotolerant anaerobes Facultative anaerobes
Define Obligate aerobes
Bacteria that have absolute requirement for an atmosphere with around 20% oxygen
Define Obligate anaerobes
Bacteria that can grown in an environment with no oxygen
Define microaerophiles
Bacteria that have an absolute requirement for an oxygen containing environment
Define Aerotolerant anaerobes
Bacteria that can grow in an atmosphere with oxygen BUT grows better without
Define Facultative Anaerobes
Bacteria that are capable of surviving in atmospheres with oxygen or without
Identify 5 ways that can be used to identify bacteria
Nomenclature (name) Shape: Cocci, Rod, Spiral Morphology Motile or none motile Pathogenic or non-pathogenic
If bacteria have a THICK outer layer of peptidoglycan their considered?
Gram+positive
If bacteria have a THIN outer layer of peptidoglycan their considered?
Gram-negative
What colour is gram positive?
Blue/purple
What colour is gram negative?
Red/pink
Why is gram positive blue/purple?
Due to a thick outer layer of peptidoglycan
Why is gram negative red/pink?
Due to a thinner layer of peptidoglycan
What are the unique features of Rickettsias?
Gram negative. Must live within host cells
What are the unique features of Chlamydias?
Gram negative. Must live within host cells
What are the unique features of Mycoplasmas?
Smallest of cellular microbes, that do not posses a cell wall.
(resistant to antibiotics)
Define symbiosis
Living together of dissimilar organisms
What are the 3 categories of Symbiosis?
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
Define mutualism in relation to symbiosis
Where both symbionts derive benefit from the association
Define commensalism is relation to symbiosis
Where only one symbiont derives benefit from the relationship, relationship is neither harmful or beneficial
Define parasitism in relation to symbionts
Where only one symbionts derive benefit
Define indigenous microflora
Microbes that live on or in the human body
Give examples of where indigenous microflora are found
Skin
Ears
Surface of the eye
Mouth
Explain the function of indigenous microflora
Gut microbe
Stimulate immune system
Define biofilm
Complex microbe communities attached to a surface with a slime layer.
What is the clinical significance of biofilm
Biofilm is resistant to antibiotics, disinfectants and immune responses
