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Questions and Answers
What structural component differentiates Gram positive bacteria from Gram negative bacteria?
What structural component differentiates Gram positive bacteria from Gram negative bacteria?
- Shape of the bacteria
- Thickness of the peptidoglycan layer (correct)
- Presence of a plasma membrane
- Presence of a capsule
Which term refers to bacteria that can take multiple shapes?
Which term refers to bacteria that can take multiple shapes?
- Pleomorphic (correct)
- Bacilli
- Cocci
- Spirilla
What is the primary function of the bacterial cell wall?
What is the primary function of the bacterial cell wall?
- To store genetic material
- To facilitate nutrient uptake
- To produce energy
- To provide shape and protection (correct)
Which statement correctly describes the composition of the plasma membrane in bacterial cells?
Which statement correctly describes the composition of the plasma membrane in bacterial cells?
What is the role of the capsule in bacteria?
What is the role of the capsule in bacteria?
Which of the following accurately describes bacteria compared to eukaryotic cells?
Which of the following accurately describes bacteria compared to eukaryotic cells?
Why are strains of bacteria that lack a capsule less virulent?
Why are strains of bacteria that lack a capsule less virulent?
What is primarily responsible for the gelatinous consistency of the bacterial cytoplasm?
What is primarily responsible for the gelatinous consistency of the bacterial cytoplasm?
Which type of bacterial shape is referred to as 'bacilli'?
Which type of bacterial shape is referred to as 'bacilli'?
What role does peptidoglycan play in bacterial cells?
What role does peptidoglycan play in bacterial cells?
What primary function does the plasma membrane serve in bacteria?
What primary function does the plasma membrane serve in bacteria?
Which of the following processes is NOT associated with the bacterial plasma membrane?
Which of the following processes is NOT associated with the bacterial plasma membrane?
What distinguishes the plasma membrane-associated ribosomes from free ribosomes in the bacterial cytoplasm?
What distinguishes the plasma membrane-associated ribosomes from free ribosomes in the bacterial cytoplasm?
Which feature is characteristic of Gram-negative bacteria compared to Gram-positive bacteria?
Which feature is characteristic of Gram-negative bacteria compared to Gram-positive bacteria?
What is the role of plasmids in bacteria?
What is the role of plasmids in bacteria?
In bacteria, what is the main component of the cytoplasm that facilitates protein synthesis?
In bacteria, what is the main component of the cytoplasm that facilitates protein synthesis?
Which component maintains the shape of the bacterial cell and provides protection?
Which component maintains the shape of the bacterial cell and provides protection?
What distinguishes bacteria as prokaryotic organisms?
What distinguishes bacteria as prokaryotic organisms?
What is one of the primary roles of the bacterial plasma membrane?
What is one of the primary roles of the bacterial plasma membrane?
How do ribosomes attached to the plasma membrane differ from free ribosomes in function?
How do ribosomes attached to the plasma membrane differ from free ribosomes in function?
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Study Notes
Bacteria Overview
- Bacteria are prokaryotic cells, characterized by their simpler structure compared to eukaryotic cells, lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
- They inhabit various environments, playing dual roles as pathogens and as part of the human microbiota, residing on skin and within the body.
Cell Structure
- The cell envelope encompasses the outer layers of bacterial cells, protecting them and maintaining shape.
- The cell wall, composed of peptidoglycan, distinguishes bacteria into Gram-positive (thick layer, retains staining dye) and Gram-negative (thin layer, does not retain dye).
Bacterial Shapes
- Bacteria come in different shapes:
- Cocci: round
- Bacilli: rod-shaped
- Spirilla: spiral-shaped
- Pleomorphic: bacteria that can change shape.
Capsule Function
- Some bacteria possess a capsule that shields against phagocytosis and aids in surface adherence.
- The presence of a capsule is an important virulence factor; non-capsulated strains are typically less virulent.
Plasma Membrane Role
- The plasma membrane surrounds the cytoplasm, maintaining the integrity of the cell and preventing leakage of cellular contents.
- It is selectively permeable, mediating nutrient acquisition and waste elimination, while also involved in respiration, photosynthesis, and lipid synthesis.
Cytoplasm Components
- The cytoplasm contains ribosomes, responsible for protein synthesis:
- Free ribosomes produce proteins for use within the cell.
- Plasma membrane-associated ribosomes synthesize proteins for the cell envelope or export outside the cell.
- The nucleoid region houses the majority of genetic material.
- Plasmids, small DNA molecules, can carry genes conferring advantages like antibiotic resistance.
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