Bacteria Classification Notes

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Questions and Answers

What is the process called in which bacterial cells exchange genetic material through a physical connection?

Binary fusion

Conjugation (correct)

Transduction

Transformation

Which of the following statements about facultative anaerobes is true?

They exclusively use anaerobic respiration.

They can switch between aerobic and anaerobic respiration. (correct)

They cannot survive without oxygen.

They only thrive in oxygen-rich environments.

Which method of bacterial reproduction produces identical cells by chromosome replication followed by cell division?

Binary fission (correct)

Transduction

Transformation

Conjugation

What do we call bacteria that consume inorganic compounds for energy?

Chemotrophs Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of the improper use of antibiotics in treating bacterial infections?

Increased antibiotic resistance in bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bacteria are known to develop endospores when exposed to unfavorable conditions?

Certain bacterial species Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of bacterial reproduction?

Symbiosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following infections can be prevented through vaccination?

Whooping Cough Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes prokaryotic bacteria from eukaryotic organisms?

Bacteria do not have a nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of archaebacteria is known for producing methane?

Methanogens Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the factors used to classify eubacteria?

Shape. Signup and view all the answers

Eubacteria cell walls contain which component that distinguishes them from archaebacteria?

Peptidoglycan. Signup and view all the answers

Which group of archaebacteria is capable of thriving in highly acidic environments?

Thermoacidophiles Signup and view all the answers

What color do gram-positive bacteria stain during the gram staining procedure?

Purple. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a method used to classify eubacteria?

Genetic Similarity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of extreme halophiles in terms of their habitat?

They can grow in extremely salty environments. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bacteria Notes

Prokaryotes: Bacteria are single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Kingdom Archaebacteria: "Ancient bacteria" resembling the first life forms on Earth. Often thrive in extreme environments like:
- Methanogens: Produce methane in low-oxygen areas, including cow intestines.
- Thermoacidophiles: Survive in high temperatures (60-250°C) and acidic environments (pH 2-4), found in hot springs like Yellowstone.
- Chemosynthesizers: Obtain energy by converting inorganic compounds (like H2S) near deep ocean vents.
- Extreme Halophiles: Survive in extremely salty conditions, up to 10 times saltier than seawater (Dead Sea, Great Salt Lake).
Kingdom Eubacteria: Distinguishable from archaebacteria by:
- Cell walls containing peptidoglycan
- Different plasma membrane lipids
- Distinct DNA structure

Classifying Eubacteria

Shape:
- Rod-shaped (bacillus)
- Circular (coccus)
- Spiral-shaped (spirilla)
- Comma (vibrio)
Cell Wall Composition: Determined by Gram staining:
- Gram-positive: Stain purple
- Gram-negative: Stain red
Motility: Movement using flagella (tail-like structure)
Colony Appearance: Groups of bacteria form colonies with diverse textures, shapes, and colors.
Respiration:
- Aerobic: Require oxygen for survival
- Anaerobic: Do not require oxygen, may be poisoned by it
- Facultative Anaerobes: Can live with or without oxygen
Metabolism: Energy source:
- Autotrophs: Produce their own food (photosynthetic)
- Heterotrophs: Consume other organisms
- Chemotrophs: Consume inorganic compounds

Reproduction

Binary Fission: Asexual reproduction creating identical cells. The chromosome replicates, and the cell divides. Some bacteria double every 20 minutes.
Conjugation: Sexual reproduction with exchange of genetic material between two bacteria through structures called pili.
Transformation: Living bacteria absorb DNA from dead bacterial cells.
Transduction: Viral transport of bacterial DNA between cells.
Endospores: Some bacteria form resilient spores under unfavorable conditions. Spores can reactivate when conditions improve.

Bacterial Infections

Treatment: Antibiotics (meaning "against living things") disrupt bacterial cell membranes or inhibit protein synthesis.
Resistance: Incorrect antibiotic use has led to bacterial strains that are resistant to drugs.
Prevention: Vaccines for certain bacterial infections (tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough) can prevent disease.

Examples of Bacterial Infections

Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Strep Throat
Salmonella
Bacterial Meningitis
Tuberculosis (TB)
Gonorrhea
Bacterial Pneumonia
Diphtheria
Syphilis
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Whooping Cough
Chlamydia
Bubonic Plague

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Description

This quiz explores the classification and characteristics of bacteria, focusing on prokaryotic organisms within the kingdoms Archaebacteria and Eubacteria. Learn about their unique adaptations to extreme environments and their structural differences.