Microbiology > Ch 1 > Flashcards

Ch 1 Flashcards

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1
Q

What is microbiology?

A

Microbiology is a specialized area of biology that studies organisms too small to be seen without a microscope (microbes).

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2
Q

What types of organisms are classified as microbes?

A

Microbes include bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa, algae, and viruses.

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3
Q

Where are microbes found?

A

Microbes are found everywhere (ubiquitous).

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4
Q

What are the major impacts of microbes?

A

Microbes have major impacts on health, ecology, and industry.

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5
Q

What are some beneficial roles of microbes?

A

Beneficial roles include:
* Decomposition and nutrient cycling
* Photosynthesis (oxygen production)
* Industrial uses (antibiotics, alcohol, food products)

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6
Q

What are some harmful roles of microbes?

A

Harmful roles include:
* Pathogens causing disease
* Food spoilage

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7
Q

Fill in the blank: Microbiology studies organisms too small to be seen without a _______.

A

microscope

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8
Q

True or False: Microbes only have harmful effects on health and industry.

A

False

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9
Q

Who developed the nomenclature system?

A

Carl Linnaeus

Developed in 1735

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10
Q

What is the format of binomial nomenclature?

A

Genus (capitalized) + species (lowercase)

Both italicized or underlined if handwritten

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11
Q

Provide an example of a scientific name.

A

Escherichia coli

This is an example of binomial nomenclature

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12
Q

What are the purposes of scientific names?

A

They may describe organisms, honor a researcher, or identify a habitat

This highlights the significance of nomenclature in biology

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13
Q

What are the major groups of microorganisms?

A

Bacteria and Archaea

Each group has distinct characteristics and living conditions.

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14
Q

What type of cells are bacteria?

A

Prokaryotic, single-celled

Bacteria do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.

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15
Q

What are the cell walls of bacteria made of?

A

Peptidoglycan

This is a unique polymer that provides structural support.

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16
Q

How do bacteria reproduce?

A

By binary fission

This is a simple form of asexual reproduction.

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17
Q

What structure do some bacteria use for movement?

A

Flagella

Flagella are long, whip-like appendages that propel bacteria.

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18
Q

What are the three main energy sources bacteria can utilize?

A

Organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals, or photosynthesis

Bacteria exhibit metabolic diversity.

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19
Q

What type of cells are Archaea?

A

Prokaryotic, no peptidoglycan

Archaea have unique cell membrane compositions.

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20
Q

Where do Archaea often live?

A

In extreme environments (extremophiles)

Examples include hot springs and salt lakes.

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21
Q

What are the three main groups of Archaea?

A
  • Methanogens
  • Extreme halophiles
  • Extreme thermophiles

Each group has unique metabolic pathways.

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22
Q

What do methanogens produce?

A

Methane

Methanogens are crucial in carbon cycling.

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23
Q

What type of environment do extreme halophiles thrive in?

A

High salt

They can survive in salt concentrations that would be lethal to most organisms.

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24
Q

What type of environment do extreme thermophiles thrive in?

A

High heat

They are often found in hot springs and hydrothermal vents.

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25
Are Archaea typically pathogenic?
No ## Footnote Archaea are not known to cause diseases in humans.
26
What type of organisms are fungi?
Eukaryotic with chitin cell walls
27
Are fungi unicellular, multicellular, or both?
Both
28
Name three types of fungi.
* Yeasts * Molds * Mushrooms
29
How do fungi obtain nutrients?
By absorbing organic material
30
What are the two methods of reproduction in fungi?
* Sexually * Asexually
31
What type of organisms are protozoa?
Eukaryotic, unicellular
32
How do protozoa move?
* By pseudopods * By flagella * By cilia
33
Are protozoa free-living, parasitic, or both?
Both
34
How do protozoa obtain nutrients?
Absorb/ingest organic chemicals
35
Can some protozoa perform photosynthesis?
True
36
What type of organisms are algae?
Eukaryotic, mostly unicellular
37
What do the cell walls of algae contain?
Cellulose
38
What is the primary mode of nutrition for algae?
Photosynthetic
39
What do algae produce through photosynthesis?
* Oxygen * Carbohydrates
40
Where can algae be found?
* Freshwater * Saltwater * Soil
41
What are viruses?
Acellular entities consisting of a DNA or RNA core surrounded by a protein coat, sometimes with a lipid envelope.
42
How do viruses replicate?
As obligate intracellular parasites that must replicate within a host cell.
43
What type of organisms are multicellular animal parasites?
Eukaryotic organisms, including helminths like flatworms and roundworms.
44
Why are multicellular animal parasites studied in microbiology?
Because of their infectious stages, which include microscopic eggs or larvae.
45
What does the Cell Theory state?
All living things are composed of cells.
46
Who introduced the concept of biogenesis?
Rudolf Virchow.
47
What is biogenesis?
The idea that living cells arise from preexisting cells.
48
What does the Cell Theory oppose?
Spontaneous generation, the idea that life arises from nonliving matter.
49
Who was the first to observe live microorganisms?
Anton van Leeuwenhoek in 1673 ## Footnote He used simple microscopes for his observations.
50
What experiment did Francesco Redi conduct in 1668?
Experiment with decaying meat and maggots to provide evidence against spontaneous generation ## Footnote This was a significant step in understanding microbial life.
51
What did Louis Pasteur disprove with his swan-neck flask experiment?
Spontaneous generation ## Footnote He demonstrated that microbes are present in air.
52
What principles did Louis Pasteur develop?
Principles of aseptic technique ## Footnote These principles are crucial for preventing contamination in laboratory settings.
53
What link did Louis Pasteur find between microbes and fermentation?
Microbes are responsible for fermentation ## Footnote He also showed that microbes cause spoilage and developed pasteurization.
54
What was Robert Koch's contribution to microbiology in 1876?
Proved that microbes cause disease, establishing the germ theory of disease ## Footnote This was a foundational concept in understanding infectious diseases.
55
Which bacterium did Robert Koch identify as the cause of anthrax?
Bacillus anthracis ## Footnote This identification was crucial for linking specific microbes to specific diseases.
56
What are Koch's postulates?
Criteria linking microbes to specific diseases ## Footnote These postulates are essential for establishing a causal relationship between a microbe and a disease.
57
Who applied germ theory to medical practice in the 1860s?
Joseph Lister ## Footnote Joseph Lister is known for founding antiseptic surgery.
58
What substance did Joseph Lister use to disinfect surgical wounds?
Phenol ## Footnote Phenol was a key component in Lister's antiseptic techniques.
59
Who is the founder of antiseptic surgery?
Joseph Lister ## Footnote Lister's work significantly reduced infections in surgical procedures.
60
What did Edward Jenner develop in 1796?
Vaccination for smallpox prevention using cowpox virus ## Footnote Jenner's work laid the foundation for immunology.
61
In what year did Paul Ehrlich introduce the 'magic bullet' concept?
1910 ## Footnote The 'magic bullet' concept refers to targeted therapy for diseases.
62
What treatment did Paul Ehrlich discover for syphilis?
Salvarsan ## Footnote Salvarsan was one of the first effective treatments for syphilis.
63
Who discovered penicillin in 1928?
Alexander Fleming ## Footnote Fleming's discovery marked the beginning of modern antibiotics.
64
What is penicillin known for?
Being the first widely used antibiotic ## Footnote Penicillin revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections.
65
What is immunology?
Study of immunity ## Footnote Vaccines and interferons are key components in immunology.
66
What does virology study?
Study of viruses ## Footnote Virology encompasses the understanding of virus structure, classification, and interactions with hosts.
67
What is recombinant DNA technology?
Combines DNA from different sources ## Footnote This technology is fundamental for genetic engineering and biotechnology.
68
What does genomics involve?
Study of an organism's entire genome ## Footnote Genomics allows for the analysis of genetic variation and function.
69
What is microbiome research?
Studying microbial communities in the human body and environment ## Footnote Microbiome research has implications for health, disease, and ecology.
70
What is bioremediation?
Using microbes to clean pollutants ## Footnote An example includes the use of microbes to address oil spills.
71
How are microbes used in insect pest control?
Microbes like Bacillus thuringiensis are used instead of chemicals ## Footnote This method is considered more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
72
What is biotechnology in the context of microbiology?
Using microbes to produce foods, chemicals, and drugs ## Footnote Biotechnology can enhance food production and develop new pharmaceuticals.
73
Fill in the blank: Recombinant DNA technology is used for producing _______.
proteins (e.g., insulin) ## Footnote This process is crucial for the production of many therapeutic proteins.
74
What are normal microbiota?
Microbes normally present in/on the human body.
75
What benefits do normal microbiota provide?
They provide benefits such as: * Preventing growth of pathogens * Producing vitamins (B, K)
76
What is the term for the collection of normal microbiota?
Microbiome
77
What defines infectious diseases?
When a pathogen invades a host and disease results.
78
What are emerging infectious diseases (EIDs)?
New or changing diseases increasing in incidence.
79
Name two examples of emerging infectious diseases.
Examples include: * MRSA * Ebola * Zika * COVID-19
80
Compare the characteristics of bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa, algae, viruses, and helminths.
Bacteria: prokaryotic, unicellular, peptidoglycan cell walls Archaea: prokaryotic, unicellular, unique membrane lipids Fungi: eukaryotic, multicellular (most), chitin cell walls Protozoa: eukaryotic, unicellular, diverse motility Algae: eukaryotic, unicellular/multicellular, photosynthetic Viruses: acellular, require a host to replicate Helminths: eukaryotic, multicellular, parasitic worms ## Footnote Each group has distinct cellular structures and reproduction methods.
81
Explain how Pasteur's experiment disproved spontaneous generation.
Pasteur's experiment used swan-necked flasks to show that microorganisms in the air contaminated sterilized broth, demonstrating that life does not arise spontaneously but from existing life. ## Footnote His work laid the foundation for germ theory.
82
State Koch's postulates and their importance.
1. The microorganism must be found in abundance in all organisms suffering from the disease. 2. The microorganism must be isolated from a diseased organism and grown in pure culture. 3. The cultured microorganism should cause disease when introduced to a healthy organism. 4. The microorganism must be re-isolated from the inoculated, diseased experimental host. ## Footnote Koch's postulates help establish a causal relationship between a microbe and a disease.
83
How did Lister and Jenner contribute to microbiology and medicine?
Lister introduced antiseptic surgical techniques to reduce infections. Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine, pioneering immunization. ## Footnote Their contributions significantly improved surgical and public health practices.
84
Define biogenesis and how it contrasts with spontaneous generation.
Biogenesis is the principle that living organisms arise from pre-existing life. It contrasts with spontaneous generation, which suggests that life can arise from non-living matter. ## Footnote This principle is fundamental to modern biology.
85
What are emerging infectious diseases (EIDs)? Give examples.
Emerging infectious diseases are newly identified or previously unrecognized infections. Examples include HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and Zika virus. ## Footnote EIDs can arise due to factors like globalization and climate change.
86
Explain the role of the human microbiota in health.
The human microbiota aids digestion, synthesizes vitamins, and protects against pathogens. It plays a crucial role in maintaining immune function. ## Footnote Imbalances in microbiota can lead to health issues.
87
Describe beneficial uses of microbes in industry, biotechnology, and ecology.
Microbes are used in: * Fermentation (e.g., beer, yogurt) * Bioremediation (e.g., degrading pollutants) * Genetic engineering (e.g., insulin production) ## Footnote Microbes are essential for sustainable practices and innovations.
88
Who is considered the 'father of microbiology' and why?
Louis Pasteur is considered the 'father of microbiology' for his discoveries in germ theory and pasteurization. ## Footnote His work fundamentally changed the understanding of disease and hygiene.
89
How did the discovery of penicillin change medicine?
Penicillin introduced the era of antibiotics, revolutionizing treatment for bacterial infections and saving countless lives. ## Footnote It marked a significant advancement in medical science and public health.
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