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Flashcards in Microorganisms Deck (22)
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1
Q

Define a microorganism?

A
  • Microscopic organism –> have to use a microscope.
  • Mostly unicellular.
  • Includes: bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae and viruses.
2
Q

What is protozoa?

A

Malaria caused by plasmodium spp.

  • transmitted by mosquito.
  • complex lifespan.
  • infects red blood cells.
3
Q

What is another protozoa?

A

Entamoeba histolytica –> causes diarrhoea or amoebic dysentery.

  • transmitted from eating/drinking something contaminated with infected faeces.
4
Q

What are fungi’s?

A

Organisms that grow by decomposing and absorbing material.

  • non motile –> don’t move.
5
Q

How is fungus classified?

A

Based on their structure.

6
Q

What do fungi use to reproduce?

A

Spores (single cells)

7
Q

Do fungi always cause harm?

A

Not always, not always pathogenic.

8
Q

What are the classification for bacteria shapes?

A

1) . Bacilli (rod shaped).
2) . Cocci (sphere).
3) . Spiral.

9
Q

What are the classifications for the bacteria clusters?

A

1) . Diplo (2 joined).
2) . Strepto (chains).
3) . Staphylo (grapelike cluster).

10
Q

How are bacteria classified via their colour?

A

1) . Gram positive (purple/blue).

2) . Gram negative (pink/red).

11
Q

What is an example of bacteria when the classifications are put together?

A

1). Staphylococcus =

  • grapelike cluster.
  • sphere.

2). Streptococcus =

  • chains.
  • sphere.
12
Q

How do bacteria divide?

A

Binary fission –> doubling their number.

13
Q

Is binary fission a sexual or asexual process?

A

Asexual.

14
Q

What is binary fission?

A

Where bacteria can divide, double their size and replicate their chromosome.

15
Q

What is bacteria spore formation?

A
  • When vegetative form of bacteria experience unfavourable conditions.
  • Spores are resistant; to extreme temperatures and many chemicals.
16
Q

Why do bacteria form spores?

A

Because bacterial spores can withstand many conditions, keeping the bacteria alive.

17
Q

What are commensal organisms?

A

Bacteria benefit from the host =

  • host isn’t harmed.
  • organism could be a pathogen if it enters another area of the body.
18
Q

What is normal flora?

A

Populations of organisms that live in various parts of the body, but do not cause disease.

19
Q

What is mutualism?

A

When both host and microorganism benefit.

20
Q

What is an example of mutualism?

A

Lactobacillus =

  • maintains the pH of the vagina.
  • inhibits growth of potentially harmful fungi which causes thrush.
21
Q

What are the characteristics of viruses?

A
  • Smaller than bacteria.
  • Contains small amount of nucleic acid.
  • May be enveloped (lipid/protein structure) or non-enveloped.
  • Different shapes.
  • Uses its host to replicate and cannot replicate outside of host cells.
22
Q

What is the protective protein coat of a virus called?

A

Capsid.