Bacterial Genetics and Cell Structure Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the bacterial chromosome?

  • Storage of energy reserves
  • Transporting nutrients
  • Initiating and carrying out cell division (correct)
  • Replication and gene expression
  • Which statement accurately describes plasmids in bacteria?

  • They replicate independently of the chromosome. (correct)
  • They are always inherited from the mother cell.
  • They are essential for bacterial survival.
  • They are involved in reproduction.
  • What allows plasmids to be transferred between bacteria?

  • Metabolic processes
  • Binary fission only
  • Cellular respiration
  • Conjugation through a pilus (correct)
  • Which of the following statements about flagella in bacteria is true?

    <p>Flagella allow bacteria to move toward nutrients. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a function of plasmids in genetic engineering?

    <p>They can carry foreign DNA into host cells. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organism is NOT commonly found in the colon?

    <p>Streptococcus pneumoniae (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first requirement of Koch's postulates?

    <p>The organism must be present in every case of the disease. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which bacterial component is crucial for the identification of microbial pathogens?

    <p>Bacterial components for vaccine development (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which bacterial species is primarily associated with dental plaque?

    <p>Streptococcus mutans (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the structures included in a bacterial cell envelope?

    <p>The cytoplasmic membrane, cell wall, and possibly an outer membrane. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which bacteria is NOT typically found in the urethra?

    <p>Streptococcus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which bacterium is known for producing specific antibiotics?

    <p>Lactobacillus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following organisms can be associated with gum disease?

    <p>Porphyromonas gingivalis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of bacteria can tolerate exposure to oxygen despite being anaerobic?

    <p>Aerotolerant anaerobe (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process involves the formation of two identical daughter cells in bacteria?

    <p>Binary fission (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under optimal conditions, how quickly can bacterial populations double?

    <p>Every 9.8 minutes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically used to isolate pure cultures of bacterial strains?

    <p>Solid growth media (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of selective media in bacterial growth?

    <p>To isolate specific organisms using nutrient variations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of bacteria requires or prefers reduced oxygen levels?

    <p>Microaerophilic (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in the binary fission of a bacterial cell?

    <p>Chromosome replication (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is effective for growing bacterial cultures in even cell suspensions?

    <p>Stirred liquid media (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary feature of the lag phase in bacterial growth?

    <p>High biosynthesis rates are registered. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs during the stationary phase of bacterial growth?

    <p>Metabolic activity is minimized and non-essential proteins are consumed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do biofilms benefit bacteria in natural environments?

    <p>They enhance nutrient supply and provide environmental protection. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main component of the bacterial capsule?

    <p>Polysaccharides (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenomenon allows one bacterial species to utilize the metabolic products of another species?

    <p>Syntrophy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following bacteria is noted for its beta-hemolysis on blood agar?

    <p>Staphylococcus aureus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Gram-positive bacteria characteristic is unique to them?

    <p>Lipoteichoic acids (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does peptidoglycan play in bacterial cells?

    <p>Shape and protection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component helps prevent bacteria from drying out?

    <p>Capsule (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of bacteria are lipopolysaccharides found in?

    <p>Gram-negative bacteria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the cytoplasmic membrane regulate?

    <p>Flow of materials in and out of the cell (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true regarding the nucleoid?

    <p>It houses strands of chromosomal DNA (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does penicillin interfere with in bacterial cells?

    <p>Peptidoglycan synthesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of bacteria are capable of forming endospores?

    <p>Gram-positive bacteria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mechanism allows bacteria to exchange plasmid DNA?

    <p>Conjugation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of generating metabolic energy in bacteria?

    <p>Fermentation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of bacterial ribosomes?

    <p>Translation of genetic code into proteins (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes bacterial ribosomes from eukaryotic ribosomes?

    <p>Bacterial ribosomes are never bound to other organelles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which condition does sporulation in bacteria typically occur?

    <p>When actively growing cells exhaust nutrients (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best defines heterotrophy in bacteria?

    <p>Using an organic compound as a carbon and energy source (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a function of pili in bacteria?

    <p>To assist in attachment to surfaces (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of endospores that contribute to bacterial survival?

    <p>They can remain dormant for hundreds of years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of metabolic strategy do Cyanobacteria primarily utilize?

    <p>Phototrophy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Corynebacterium (diphtheroids)

    These bacteria are commonly found on the skin, particularly in the areas with hair follicles. They are generally harmless and cause no problems.

    Viridans streptococci

    These bacteria are part of the normal flora of the mouth and throat, often associated with dental plaque.

    Streptococcus mutans

    This species is often associated with dental cavities. Like a tiny party on your teeth.

    Prevotella intermedia

    This species is known to play a role in gingivitis, hence being found in the gingival crevices. It's the guest that's always making a mess.

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    Porphyromonas gingivalis

    This is a strict anaerobic bacterium that often contributes to gum disease, living in gingivitis crevices.

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    Streptococcus pyogenes

    These are a group of bacteria that thrive in the throat and are often associated with other infections like strep throat.

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    Streptococcus pneumoniae

    These are a group of bacteria that are commonly found in the throat and are also responsible for many respiratory infections.

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    Neisseria species

    This bacterium is commonly found in the throat and can cause a variety of infections, including meningitis.

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    Bacterial Chromosome

    A single, continuous strand of DNA that holds all the genetic instructions for bacterial cell division.

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    Plasmids

    Small, circular pieces of DNA that replicate independently of the chromosome.

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    Conjugation

    A process by which bacteria transfer genetic material, commonly by forming a tube-like structure called a pilus.

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    Flagella

    Hair-like structures made of protein that provide bacteria with the ability to move.

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    Flagellar Movement

    A type of bacterial locomotion where the flagella beat in a propeller-like motion to help the bacterium move towards nutrients, away from toxins, or towards light in the case of photosynthetic bacteria.

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    Bacterial Capsule

    A protective layer found outside some bacteria, composed of polysaccharides. It helps the bacteria avoid drying out and being engulfed by immune cells.

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    Bacterial Cell Wall

    A rigid structure that surrounds the bacterial cell, made of peptidoglycan. It gives the cell its shape, provides protection, and helps anchor appendages like pili and flagella.

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    Peptidoglycan

    A unique component of bacterial cell walls, it's a complex polymer that provides structural integrity and is a target for antibiotics like penicillin.

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    Gram-positive Bacteria

    Bacteria that have a thick peptidoglycan layer and stain purple in the Gram stain. They lack an outer membrane.

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    Gram-negative Bacteria

    Bacteria with a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane. They stain pink in the Gram stain.

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    Cytoplasmic Membrane

    A semi-permeable membrane that encloses the cytoplasm of the bacterial cell. It regulates the passage of molecules in and out of the cell.

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    Cytoplasm

    The gel-like substance inside the bacterial cell where the cell's essential functions occur, including growth, metabolism, and replication.

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    Nucleoid

    A region within the bacterial cell that contains the DNA, but is not enclosed by a membrane. It's where the cell's genetic information resides.

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    Lag Phase

    A period of slow growth where bacteria synthesize proteins needed for rapid growth.

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    Logarithmic (Log) / Exponential Phase

    A period of rapid growth where bacteria utilize nutrients at their maximum rate until nutrients are depleted.

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    Stationary Phase

    A phase where bacterial growth slows down due to depleted nutrients. Bacteria decrease their metabolic activity and consume non-essential components.

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    Death Phase

    The final phase where bacteria die due to lack of resources and the accumulation of waste products.

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    Syntrophy

    A phenomenon where one species of bacteria benefits from the metabolic byproducts of another species, leading to a symbiotic relationship.

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    Pili

    Hair-like structures that extend from the surface of some bacteria. They help bacteria attach to surfaces and host cells.

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    Ribosomes

    Ribosomes are tiny structures within bacteria that are responsible for building proteins. They are crucial for all cellular functions.

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    Endospore

    A dormant, highly resistant form of some bacteria. They are extremely durable against harsh conditions and can survive for years.

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    Metabolism

    The sum of all the chemical processes happening inside a living organism. It includes how they obtain energy, grow and eliminate waste.

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    Heterotrophy

    Organisms obtain carbon and energy from organic compounds like sugars. Many bacteria and animals are heterotrophs.

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    Lithotrophy

    Organisms derive energy from inorganic compounds like sulfur or nitrogen. Examples include Nitrobacter and Sulfolobulus.

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    Phototrophy

    Organisms use light as an energy source to create ATP. Examples include Cyanobacteria.

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    Autotrophic CO2 fixation

    Organisms can fix and use carbon dioxide as their primary carbon source, often through photosynthesis. Examples include photosynthetic bacteria.

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    Respiration

    The complete breakdown of a substrate using an external electron acceptor, releasing energy.

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    Aerotolerant Anaerobe

    Bacteria that can survive in the presence of oxygen but prefer to grow in an oxygen-free environment

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    Microaerophilic

    Bacteria that require or prefer a reduced oxygen environment (lower than the normal atmospheric level).

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    Capnophilic

    Bacteria that require or prefer increased carbon dioxide levels in their environment.

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    Binary Fission

    The process of bacterial cell division, where one cell splits into two identical daughter cells.

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    Agar Plates

    A solid medium used to isolate specific bacterial strains by allowing each bacterium to grow into a distinct colony.

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    Liquid Growth Media

    A liquid medium used to grow large volumes of bacteria, especially when measuring their growth is important.

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    Selective Media

    A type of growth medium used for identifying specific organisms by containing specific nutrients, deficiencies, or antibiotics.

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    Bacterial Colonies

    Visible clusters of bacteria that have grown from a single cell on a solid medium.

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    Study Notes

    General Bacteriology - MDP 10208

    • Students should be able to define bacteria, describe major structures and functions, list and describe morphological forms, describe bacterial metabolism, growth, and reproduction, and list common diseases and their causative bacterial agents.

    Bacteria

    • A microscopic unicellular organism in various shapes and sizes.
    • Prokaryotic cells.
    • Carry out metabolic activities to increase size.
    • Reproduce by binary fission (one cell divides into two equal parts).
    • Typical size: 0.5-1 µm broad, 0.5-8 µm long.

    The Sizes of Microorganisms

    • Diagram illustrates the relative sizes of different biological entities, showing the range from atoms and small molecules to viruses, bacteria, organelles, and eukaryotic cells.
    • Depicts the size scale relevant to light and electron microscopy.

    Bacterial Distribution in the Environment

    • Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms.
    • Found in habitats where eukaryotes live.
    • Found in extreme environments (hottest, coldest, driest).
    • May exist in symbiotic/mutualistic associations with eukaryotes.
    • Mitochondria and chloroplasts are hypothesized remnants of bacteria.
    • Many eukaryotic cells contain endosymbiotic prokaryotes.
    • Only some bacteria are disease-causing agents.

    Normal Flora

    • Bacteria and fungi permanently residing in specific body sites.
    • Common locations include skin, oropharynx, colon, and vagina.
    • Viruses and parasites are not typically classified as normal flora, although present in asymptomatic individuals.
    • Often called commensals—benefit from the host but do no harm.

    Medically Important Normal Flora

    • Table displays medically important and less important bacterial species present in various body locations (e.g., skin, nose, mouth).

    Importance in Medicine

    • Provide laboratory models for infectious diseases.
    • Allow the production of antibiotics.
    • Offer bacterial components for vaccine production.
    • Facilitate the identification of microbial pathogens—to target specific treatment.

    Koch's Postulate (1884)

    • A set of postulates to demonstrate the pathogenicity of a microorganism.
    • The organism must be constantly found in all cases of the disease.
    • The organism can be isolated and grown outside the host.
    • The organism can reproduce the disease in a healthy susceptible host.
    • The same organism can be re-isolated from the inoculated host.

    Structures of Bacteria - Cell Envelope

    • Made up of two or three layers.
      • Inner cytoplasmic membrane.
      • Cell wall.
      • Outer capsule (in some species).
    • Capsules are polysaccharide layers surrounding the cell wall. Protect from desiccation, phagocytosis (engulfing by immune cells), and contribute to virulence.

    Structures of Bacteria - Cell Wall

    • Contains peptidoglycan (protein-polysaccharide).
    • Provides cell shape and protects from environmental stresses, including osmotic pressure.
    • Critical in bacterial species analysis.
    • Components differ between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including lipoteichoic acids and lipopolysaccharides, respectively.

    Structures of Bacteria - Peptidoglycan

    • The glycan portion alternates NAM and NAG sugars.
    • Polypeptide cross-links connect the sugars.
    • Penicillin interferes with peptidoglycan synthesis.

    Structures of Bacteria - Gram-positive Cell Wall

    • Diagram illustrating the layered structure with peptidoglycan, teichoic acids, and the cytoplasmic membrane.

    Structures of Bacteria - Gram-negative Cell Wall

    • Diagram showing the layered structure containing peptidoglycan, outer membrane (with lipopolysaccharides), and the cytoplasmic membrane.

    Structures of Bacteria - Cytoplasmic Membrane

    • Phospholipid bilayer.
    • Controls material flow into and out of the cell.
    • Highly organized and dynamic.

    Structures of Bacteria - Cytoplasm

    • Gel-like substance in the cell.
    • Contains water, enzymes, nutrients, wastes, and gases.
    • Contains ribosomes, a chromosome, plasmids, and other cellular components.

    Structures of Bacteria - Nucleoid

    • Region within the cytoplasm that contains the bacterial chromosome.
    • Not a membrane-bound nucleus.
    • Most cells have a single, circular chromosome.

    Structures of Bacteria - Plasmids

    • Small circular DNA molecules.
    • Replicate independently of the chromosome.
    • Provide selective advantages, such as antibiotic resistance.
    • Can be transferred to other bacteria during conjugation.

    Structures of Bacteria - Flagella

    • Protein-based structures for locomotion.
    • Propeller-like motion for movement toward nutrients, away from toxic substances, or in the case of photosynthetic bacteria, toward light.

    Structures of Bacteria - Pili

    • Hair-like protein appendages projecting from the surface.
    • Involved in attachment and conjugation.

    Structures of Bacteria - Ribosomes

    • Composed of proteins and rRNA.
    • Essential for protein synthesis.
    • Differ structurally from eukaryotic ribosomes.
    • Target for some antibiotics.

    Structures of Bacteria - Endospores

    • Dormant, tough structures produced by some bacteria.
    • Allow survival in harsh conditions.
    • Found primarily in Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Bacillus, Clostridium).

    Metabolism

    • The sum of all chemical processes in living organisms.
    • Bacteria exhibit a wide variety of types, with traits used to classify them taxonomically.
    • Three major criteria classify bacterial metabolism: carbon source, energy source, and electron donors.

    Mechanisms of Generating Metabolic Energy for Bacterial Growth

    • Heterotrophy (using organic compounds).
    • Lithotrophy (using inorganic compounds).
    • Phototrophy (using light).
    • Autotrophic CO2 fixation (using CO2 as carbon source).

    Respiration

    • Complete substrate oxidation using an outside electron acceptor.
    • Requires glycolysis, TCA cycle, and electron transport system.

    Fermentation

    • Partial substrate oxidation using an organic intermediate as electron donor and acceptor.
    • No external electron acceptors needed.
    • Generates ATP via substrate-level phosphorylation.

    Oxygen Requirements of Bacteria

    • Aerobic bacteria require oxygen.
    • Anaerobic bacteria do not require oxygen and may be harmed by it.
    • Facultative anaerobes can survive with or without oxygen.
    • Other categories include aerotolerant anaerobes, microaerophiles, and capnophiles.

    Atmospheric Growth Requirements

    • Different bacteria have different oxygen needs, each defined as a category (strict/obligate aerobes, anaerobes, facultative anaerobes, aerotolerant anaerobes, microaerophiles, etc).

    Growth and Reproduction - Binary Fission

    • Bacteria increase in size and reproduce through cell division (binary fission).
    • Key steps involve DNA duplication, chromosomal replication, cell elongation, and separation to form two identical daughter cells.

    Growth and Reproduction - Laboratory Considerations

    • Bacteria grow in solid or liquid media.
    • Solid media, like agar plates, isolate pure cultures.
    • Liquid media may be used for volume and growth measurement.
    • Stirred liquid media provide even cell suspension.

    Bacterial Colonies

    • Visible clusters of bacteria resulting from growth on solid media.
    • Colonies can be observed and characterized (e.g., in Petri dishes or blood agar).

    Bacterial Colonies on Blood Agar

    • Diagram illustrating bacterial colonies growing on blood agar media. Specific colonies include Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus (beta-hemolytic, and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

    Growth and Reproduction in Natural Environments

    • Nutrients limit indefinite bacterial reproduction in natural environments.
    • Adaptations, like increased resource availability and community structures (like biofilms), enable persistence.
    • Syntrophy in communities.

    Bacterial Growth Curve: Four Phases

    • Lag phase: Slow growth while cells adapt to new conditions.
    • Log/exponential phase: Rapid growth where nutrients are plentiful.
    • Stationary phase: Growth slows due to resource depletion.
    • Death phase: Rate of death exceeds new cells formation when nutrients have run out.

    Common Diseases

    • Pathogenic bacteria cause diverse illnesses involving multiple species.
    • Examples include tetanus, typhoid fever, diphtheria, syphilis, cholera, foodborne illnesses, leprosy, and tuberculosis.

    Common Diseases - Other Organisms

    • Some obligate intracellular parasites (e.g., Rickettsia and Chlamydia) cause diverse diseases, including typhus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.
    • Some pathogens (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia species, Mycobacterium) are opportunistic; causing diseases mainly in those with impaired immunity.
    • List a number of infections and their causing agents (e.g., Bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, infections of the upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal issues).

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on bacterial genetics, cellular structures, and their functions. This quiz covers various topics, including plasmids, flagella, and Koch's postulates, that are essential for understanding microbial biology. Challenge yourself to see how well you know the primary roles of different bacterial components!

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