Bacteriology Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is bacteriology?

The study of parasites

The study of viruses

The study of fungi

The study of bacteria (correct)

What are bacteria?

Minute, one-celled vegetable microorganisms found nearly everywhere.

Define nonpathogenic bacteria.

Helpful or harmless bacteria that perform useful functions such as decomposing refuse and improving soil fertility.

What are saprophytes?

Nonpathogenic bacteria that live on dead matter and do not produce disease. Signup and view all the answers

What does pathogenic mean?

Harmful and disease producing when they invade plant or animal tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What are parasites?

Organisms that require living matter for their growth. Signup and view all the answers

What shape are cocci?

Round shaped. Signup and view all the answers

What are staphylococci?

Pus-forming bacteria that grow in bunches or clusters. Signup and view all the answers

What infections do streptococci cause?

Infections such as strep throat. Signup and view all the answers

How do diplococci grow?

In pairs. Signup and view all the answers

What are bacilli?

Short, rod-shaped bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

What are flagella used for?

Hairlike projections used to move about. Signup and view all the answers

What shape do spirilla have?

Curved or corkscrew shaped. Signup and view all the answers

What is mitosis?

The process where cells divide into two new cells called daughter cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is a local infection?

An infection confined to a single area, such as a pimple or boil. Signup and view all the answers

Define general infection.

When pathogenic bacteria and their toxins are carried to all parts of the body by the bloodstream. Signup and view all the answers

What does contagious or communicable mean?

Diseases spread from one person to another by direct or indirect contact. Signup and view all the answers

What are filterable viruses?

Living organisms so small they can pass through the pores of a porcelain filter. Signup and view all the answers

What can plant parasites produce?

Contagious diseases such as ringworm or favus. Signup and view all the answers

What is immunity?

The ability to fight off or resist infections and disease. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bacteriology Overview

Bacteriology is the study of microorganisms known as bacteria.
Bacteria are minute, one-celled organisms found nearly everywhere on Earth.

Types of Bacteria

Nonpathogenic Bacteria: Harmless organisms that decompose refuse and enhance soil fertility.
Saprophytes: A subset of nonpathogenic bacteria that feed on dead matter without causing disease.
Pathogenic Bacteria: Organisms that are harmful and capable of causing diseases in plants and animals.
Parasites: Bacteria that require living hosts for growth and reproduction.

Bacterial Shapes

Cocci: Round-shaped bacteria that can exist individually or in groups.
- Staphylococci: Cluster-forming cocci that cause abscesses and boils.
- Streptococci: Chain-forming cocci responsible for infections like strep throat.
- Diplococci: Grow in pairs and can lead to pneumonia.
Bacilli: Rod-shaped bacteria that are prevalent and associated with conditions such as tetanus, typhoid fever, and tuberculosis.
Spirilla: Curved or corkscrew-shaped bacteria; Treponema pallidum causes syphilis.

Bacterial Movement

Flagella or Cilia: Hairlike projections that enable bacteria to move; they use a whip-like motion to propel themselves through liquid.

Infections

Local Infection: Limited to a specific area, such as a pimple or infected cut.
General Infection: Occurs when pathogenic bacteria and their toxins enter the bloodstream, leading to widespread conditions like blood poisoning.

Disease Transmission

Contagious Diseases: Spread through direct or indirect contact, including airborne transmission (coughing, sneezing) and contaminated objects (dirty hands, common towels).

Viruses and Fungi

Filterable Viruses: Extremely small organisms that pass through fine filters, not visible under a microscope.
Plant Parasites/Fungi: Cause contagious diseases like ringworm and can affect nails.

Immunity

Immunity refers to the body’s ability to resist infections and effectively eliminate bacteria that invade.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on important terms in the field of bacteriology with this set of flashcards. These cards cover essential definitions and concepts related to bacteria, their types, and functions. Perfect for students and anyone interested in microbiology.