Bacterial Cell Structure and Function Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the basal body?

A part of the flagellum (correct)

An energy source

A bacterial cell structure (correct)

A type of toxin

What shape does a bacillus bacterium have?

Rod shape

What is a capsule in bacterial cells?

A protective layer usually made of mucopolysaccharide

What does the cell envelope consist of?

All the covering layers of a bacterium Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cell wall in bacteria?

To confer rigidity and shape Signup and view all the answers

What is chemotaxis?

Movement in reaction to a chemical stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What shape does a coccus bacterium have?

Spherical shape Signup and view all the answers

What is a colony in microbiology?

A group of organisms grown from a single parent cell Signup and view all the answers

What does cytoplasm refer to?

Content within the cytoplasmic membrane Signup and view all the answers

What are endospores?

Synonymous with spores Signup and view all the answers

What is an endotoxin?

A component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is the filament in a flagellum made of?

Polymerized protein called flagellin Signup and view all the answers

What are fimbriae?

Short, hairlike protein structures essential for attachment Signup and view all the answers

What are flagella?

Locomotion organelles in some bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What does Gram's stain differentiate?

Bacteria according to the chemical composition of their cell walls Signup and view all the answers

What does gram-negative describe?

Bacteria with a more complex cell wall structure Signup and view all the answers

What does gram-positive describe?

Bacteria with a less complex cell wall structure Signup and view all the answers

What are granules in bacterial cells?

Energy sources composed of polysaccharides or polyphosphates Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a hook in flagella?

Acts as a universal joint allowing filament movement Signup and view all the answers

What are inclusions in bacteria?

Synonymous with granules and contain polysaccharides or phosphates Signup and view all the answers

What is lipid A?

Also called endotoxin, it anchors the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is lipopolysaccharide (LPS)?

Major portion of the outer membrane in gram-negative bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What does lysis refer to?

Dissolution or destruction of cells Signup and view all the answers

What are organelles?

Membrane-bound bodies with specialized functions in cells Signup and view all the answers

What is peptidoglycan?

A polysaccharide that forms the bacterial cell wall Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bacterial Cell Structure and Components

Basal Body: Anchors the flagellum to the cell envelope with two to four rings on a rod.
Bacillus: Refers to bacteria with a rod-like shape.
Capsule: A glycocalyx structure made of mucopolysaccharides that aids in evading phagocytosis and antibody binding.
Cell Envelope: Comprises all outer layers of a bacterium, providing protection and structural integrity.
Cell Wall: A rigid layer outside the plasma membrane that shapes and strengthens bacterial cells.
Cytoplasm: Enclosed by the cytoplasmic membrane, containing all cellular components.
Colony: A cluster of bacteria originating from a single parent cell.
Endospores: Resistant, dormant cell forms that allow bacteria to survive unfavorable conditions.

Mobility and Structure

Chemotaxis: Movement driven by chemical stimuli; important for bacterial navigation.
Coccus: Describes round-shaped bacteria.
Flagella: Structures used for locomotion, differing in arrangement among bacterial types.
Filament: The primary part of flagella, consisting of helical flagellin proteins that enhance motility.
Hook: A joint structure connecting the flagellum's filament to the basal body, allowing rotation.

Cell Wall Characteristics

Gram's Stain: A technique categorizing bacteria based on cell wall composition, facilitating identification.
Gram-negative Bacteria: Have a complex cell wall with less peptidoglycan and are often more virulent.
Gram-positive Bacteria: Have a simpler wall structure with more peptidoglycan, generally less toxic than gram-negative counterparts.
Peptidoglycan: A critical component of bacterial cell walls that provides structural integrity and protection against lysis.

Toxins and Immune Response

Endotoxin (Lipid A): A component of gram-negative bacteria's outer membrane that triggers strong immune reactions, potentially leading to septic shock.
Granules/Inclusions: Energy reserves made of polysaccharides or polyphosphates, utilized by cells during energy stress.

Additional Structures

Fimbriae (Pili): Hair-like structures essential for attachment to surfaces and each other, influencing colonization and infection.
Lysis: The breaking down of cells, which can occur due to various damaging events.

Each of these components plays a vital role in the survival, reproduction, and pathogenicity of bacteria. Understanding these elements is crucial in microbiology and medical applications.

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Description

Test your knowledge of bacterial cell structure and function with these informative flashcards. Each card defines key terms related to bacteria, such as the basal body, bacillus, and capsule, providing a solid foundation for understanding microbiology concepts.