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Questions and Answers
What is the characteristic of bacteria that distinguishes it from other microorganisms?
Which of the following is a role of bacteria in human life?
What is the primary characteristic of fungi?
What distinguishes fungi from bacteria?
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Which type of microorganism contains DNA within a nuclear membrane?
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What is the primary reason for most fungal infections in humans?
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Which of the following characteristics is common to all fungi?
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What is the main mode of growth for most microalgae?
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Which characteristic defines viruses as infectious agents with non-living characteristics?
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What is a defining feature of protozoa?
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What role do beneficial microbes play in biodegradation?
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What determines the pathogenicity of microorganisms?
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How are Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria classified based on their cell wall structure?
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What makes up around 90% of the dry weight of Gram-positive bacterial cell wall?
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What is the role of microorganisms in bioremediation?
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What distinguishes cyanobacteria from other microalgae?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Bacteria
- Bacteria are distinguished from other microorganisms by their prokaryotic cell structure, lacking a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
- They possess a rigid cell wall mainly composed of peptidoglycan, which provides structural support.
Role of Bacteria in Human Life
- Bacteria play essential roles such as aiding digestion, synthesizing vitamins, and contributing to the immune system.
- Certain bacteria are utilized in food production (e.g., yogurt and cheese) and bioremediation processes.
Characteristics of Fungi
- Fungi are characterized by their eukaryotic cell structure, containing a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
- They possess a cell wall primarily made of chitin, differing from the peptidoglycan found in bacterial cell walls.
Distinction Between Fungi and Bacteria
- Fungi are distinct from bacteria due to their eukaryotic nature, multicellular or unicellular organization, and the presence of chitin in their cell walls.
Microorganisms with Nuclear Membrane
- Eukaryotic microorganisms, including fungi and protozoa, contain DNA within a nuclear membrane, distinguishing them from prokaryotes like bacteria.
Fungal Infections in Humans
- Most fungal infections in humans are attributed to opportunistic pathogens that exploit weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.
Common Characteristics of All Fungi
- All fungi exhibit heterotrophic nutrition, absorbing nutrients from organic matter, and reproduce via spores.
Main Mode of Growth for Microalgae
- Microalgae predominantly grow through photosynthesis, utilizing light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds.
Virus Characteristics
- Viruses are defined as infectious agents that lack cellular structure, cannot reproduce independently, and are composed of genetic material encased in a protein coat.
Defining Features of Protozoa
- Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic organisms characterized by their ability to move independently using cilia, flagella, or pseudopodia.
Role of Beneficial Microbes in Biodegradation
- Beneficial microbes aid in biodegradation by breaking down organic pollutants, thus facilitating the clean-up of contaminated environments.
Pathogenicity of Microorganisms
- The pathogenicity of microorganisms is determined by factors such as virulence, the ability to evade the host immune response, and the production of toxins.
Classification of Bacteria
- Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, while Gram-negative bacteria possess a thinner layer with an outer membrane.
Composition of Gram-positive Bacterial Cell Wall
- The dry weight of Gram-positive bacterial cell walls is composed of approximately 90% peptidoglycan, providing structural integrity.
Role of Microorganisms in Bioremediation
- Microorganisms are utilized in bioremediation processes to degrade or detoxify environmental contaminants, helping to restore polluted ecosystems.
Distinction of Cyanobacteria
- Cyanobacteria differ from other microalgae by their ability to conduct photosynthesis while also fixing atmospheric nitrogen, contributing to nutrient cycling.
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Description
Explore the classification of microscopic organisms like bacteria, viruses, archaea, algae, fungi, and protozoa. Understand the types and characteristics of these microorganisms.
