Biology Lab 1: Bacteria

10 Questions

Match the bacterial infection with its causative bacteria:

Staph infections = Streptococcus Streptococcal infections = Staphylococcus aureus E.coli infections = Escherichia coli Salmonella infections = Salmonella

Match the bacterial infection with its symptoms:

Strep throat = Fever, fatigue, inflammation Pneumonia = Difficulty breathing, pain Sepsis = Inflammation, fever Food poisoning = Nausea, vomiting

Match the bacterial infection with its mode of spread:

E.coli infections = Contaminated food or water Staph infections = Contact with infected people Salmonella infections = Contact with surfaces contaminated with bacteria Pneumococcal infections = Close contact with sick people

Match the bacterial infection with its treatment:

Staph infections = Antibiotics Streptococcal infections = Vaccines E.coli infections = Good hygiene practices Pneumococcal infections = Medications to reduce fever

Match the bacterial infection with its prevention method:

Staph infections = Vaccines Streptococcal infections = Good hygiene practices E.coli infections = Avoiding close contact with sick people Pneumococcal infections = Avoiding sharing personal items

Match the bacterial infection with its complication:

Staph infections = Sepsis Streptococcal infections = Scarlet fever E.coli infections = Urinary tract infections Salmonella infections = Typhoid fever

Match the bacterial infection with its causative bacteria genus:

Staph infections = Staphylococcus Streptococcal infections = Streptococcus E.coli infections = Escherichia Salmonella infections = Salmonella

Match the bacterial infection with its affected body part:

Staph infections = Skin Streptococcal infections = Throat E.coli infections = Urinary tract Pneumococcal infections = Lungs

Match the bacterial infection with its incubation period:

Staph infections = Days to weeks Streptococcal infections = Hours to days E.coli infections = Days to weeks Salmonella infections = Hours to days

Match the bacterial infection with its severity:

Staph infections = Mild to severe Streptococcal infections = Mild to moderate E.coli infections = Mild to severe Pneumococcal infections = Severe

Study Notes

Bacteria Structure

Bacteria are unicellular microorganisms that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Their genetic material is located in a single circular chromosome in the cytoplasm.
Bacteria come in various shapes and sizes, including:
- Coccus: spherical or ovoid shaped bacteria (e.g. Streptococcus and Staphylococcus)
- Bacillus: rod-shaped bacteria (e.g. Escherichia coli and Salmonella)
- Spirillum: spiral-shaped bacteria (e.g. Vibrio cholerae and Helicobacter pylori)

Bacterial Components

Cell wall: a rigid outer layer made up of peptidoglycan, providing shape and support to the cell.
Cell membrane: a semi-permeable membrane that separates the cell's cytoplasm from its environment and controls the movement of molecules in and out of the cell.
Cytoplasm: a gel-like substance containing the cell's genetic material, ribosomes, and other cellular machinery.
Flagella: long, whip-like structures that enable some bacteria to move around.
Pili: short, hair-like structures that enable some bacteria to attach to surfaces and other cells.
Capsule: a protective layer that surrounds the cell wall, helping some bacteria to evade the host's immune system.

Classification of Bacteria

Bacteria are classified into different groups based on their physical and biochemical characteristics.
Main groups of bacteria include:
- Gram-positive bacteria: thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, staining purple with Gram stain.
- Gram-negative bacteria: thinner peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, staining pink with Gram stain.
- Cyanobacteria: photosynthetic, using chlorophyll to convert light energy into organic compounds.
- Spirochetes: spiral-shaped, with a flexible cell wall, and responsible for diseases like syphilis and Lyme disease.
- Chlamydia: obligate intracellular parasites, relying on the host cell for replication.
- Actinobacteria: filamentous structure, responsible for producing antibiotics like streptomycin and tetracycline.

Bacterial Infections

Caused by harmful bacteria that invade the human body and cause a range of symptoms.
Can affect any part of the body, including skin, respiratory system, urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, and bloodstream.
Common types of bacterial infections include:
- Staph infections: caused by Staphylococcus aureus, causing skin infections, pneumonia, and sepsis.
- Streptococcal infections: caused by Streptococcus, causing strep throat, scarlet fever, and skin infections.
- E. coli infections: caused by Escherichia coli, causing food poisoning, urinary tract infections, and sepsis.
- Salmonella infections: caused by Salmonella, causing food poisoning, gastroenteritis, and typhoid fever.
- Pneumococcal infections: caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, causing pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
Symptoms of bacterial infections can include fever, fatigue, inflammation, pain, and difficulty breathing.
Treatment usually involves antibiotics, which must be taken exactly as prescribed and for the full duration to ensure all bacteria are eliminated.
Prevention can be achieved through good hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick people, and avoiding sharing personal items.