Bacteria: Classification & Characteristics

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Questions and Answers

How do bacteria generally exist?

  • As single-cell organisms in communities (correct)
  • In isolation, spread out over large areas
  • Exclusively as parasites within host organisms
  • As large, multicellular organisms

What is the significance of the Gram staining method in bacteriology?

  • It is a differential stain used to classify bacteria based on cell wall properties. (correct)
  • It identifies bacteria based on their genetic code.
  • It differentiates bacteria based on their motility.
  • It classifies bacteria based on shape alone.

How do Gram-positive bacteria react to the Gram staining procedure?

  • They require a special staining technique different from Gram staining.
  • They appear pink after staining due to a thin peptidoglycan layer.
  • They do not retain any dye after the staining process.
  • They retain the crystal violet dye and appear purple. (correct)

What is the primary component that characterizes the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria?

<p>A thick layer of peptidoglycan (D)</p>
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What are the two main shapes used to classify Gram-positive bacteria?

<p>Cocci and bacilli (C)</p>
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Which of the following diseases is commonly associated with Staphylococcus aureus?

<p>Skin infections (A)</p>
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What is a distinctive characteristic of Streptococcus pneumoniae?

<p>It is a Gram-positive, encapsulated diplococcus. (B)</p>
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What is the primary pathogenic mechanism of Bacillus anthracis?

<p>Production of anthrax toxin (C)</p>
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Which medical condition is specifically caused by Clostridium tetani?

<p>Tetanus (A)</p>
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What is a key feature of the infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae?

<p>It causes a pseudomembranous pharyngitis. (A)</p>
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Which types of infections are commonly associated with Enterococcus species?

<p>Biliary tract infections and UTIs (A)</p>
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What is the approximate age of the oldest known bacterial fossils found on Earth?

<p>4 billion years ago (A)</p>
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How did H.C. Gram contribute to the field of microbiology?

<p>He developed a method to classify bacteria based on their cell wall properties. (B)</p>
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Which of the following statements best describes bacteria?

<p>They are single-celled organisms that are neither plants nor animals. (B)</p>
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Which of the following is true about the effects of bacteria?

<p>Some bacteria are harmful, and others are beneficial. (C)</p>
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Considering the classification of bacteria, what is one key factor used for classification?

<p>The composition of their cell wall and staining properties (B)</p>
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In Gram staining, what is the role of differential staining properties?

<p>To allow bacteria to be classified as either Gram-positive or Gram-negative (C)</p>
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What would be the most likely shape of bacteria that cause tetanus?

<p>Bacilli (B)</p>
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What is the consequence of tetanus caused by Clostridium tetani?

<p>Severe tightening of muscles and potential jaw locking (A)</p>
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Which characteristic is unique to Bacillus anthracis?

<p>Produces anthrax toxin (A)</p>
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Flashcards

Bacteria

Single-cell organisms neither plants nor animals, typically a few micrometers long and thriving in communities.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that retain crystal violet dye after staining, indicating a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall.

Differential Staining

A method used to differentiate bacterial species based on their chemical and physical properties of their cell walls.

Peptidoglycan

A substance composed of sugars and amino acids that forms the thick cell wall in Gram-positive bacteria.

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Cocci

Round-shaped Gram-positive bacteria.

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Bacilli

Rod-shaped Gram-positive bacteria.

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Staphylococcus aureus

A Gram-positive bacterium that can cause inflammatory diseases, skin infections, pneumonia and endocarditis.

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Streptococcus pneumoniae

Gram-positive, encapsulated, lancet-shaped diplococci that commonly causes otitis media, pneumonia, sinusitis, and meningitis

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Bacillus anthracis

A Gram-positive spore-forming rod that produces anthrax toxin, resulting in an ulcer with a black eschar.

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Clostridium tetani

A Gram-positive spore-forming rod that causes tetanus, a medical emergency causing severe muscle tightening.

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Corynebacterium diphtheriae

A Gram-positive club-shaped rod that can cause pseudomembranous pharyngitis, myocarditis, and neural tissue damage.

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Enterococci

Gram-positive bacteria that cause biliary tract infections and UTIs.

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Study Notes

Bacteria Overview

  • Bacteria are single-celled organisms distinct from plants and animals.
  • They typically measure a few micrometers in length.
  • Bacteria exist in communities comprising millions of individuals.
  • Bacteria are considered the first organisms on Earth, appearing approximately 4 billion years ago.
  • The oldest known fossils resemble bacteria.
  • Some bacteria are harmful, while others are beneficial and have medicinal uses.

Classification of Bacteria

  • Bacteria classification is based on several factors.
  • Shape is a key factor in classification.
  • Cell wall composition and staining properties are also used for classification.

Bacterial Cell Wall Staining

  • H.C. Gram discovered the staining method in 1884.
  • Staining allows the classification of clinically important bacteria based on morphology.
  • Differential staining properties are important in classification
  • Bacteria can be classified as either Gram-positive or Gram-negative.
  • Gram-positive bacteria retain crystal violet dye after staining.
  • Gram-negative bacteria do not retain crystal violet dye after staining.

Gram Positive Bacteria

  • Gram-positive bacteria possess a cell wall with a thick layer of peptidoglycan.
  • Cocci (round-shaped) are a type of gram-positive bacteria
  • Bacilli (rod-shaped) are also a type of gram-positive bacteria

Diseases Caused by Gram-Positive Bacteria

  • Gram-positive bacteria cause several common diseases.
  • Staphylococcus aureus causes skin infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and abscesses.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a gram-positive, encapsulated, lancet-shaped diplococci.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae commonly causes otitis media, pneumonia, sinusitis, and meningitis
  • Bacillus anthracis produces anthrax toxin, leading to ulcers with a black eschar.
  • Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, a medical emergency that causes severe muscle tightening and lockjaw.
  • Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes pseudomembranous pharyngitis, myocarditis, and neural tissue damage
  • Enterococci can cause biliary tract infections and UTIs (urinary tract infections).

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