Environmental Microbiology: Microbial Roles and Perspectives

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of heterotrophic bacteria in the environment?

  • Diverting a cell’s energy to the synthesis of new viruses
  • Producing energy through photosynthesis
  • Creating a symbiotic relationship with algae
  • Playing a greater role than larger organisms in decomposition (correct)

What is the focus of microbial ecology?

  • Exploring extremophiles and their habitats
  • Studying interrelationships between microorganisms and their environment (correct)
  • Investigating biogeochemical roles of microorganisms
  • Understanding the biosphere maintenance

What is the study of relationships between organisms and their surrounding environments called?

  • Microbial ecology
  • Microorganisms and biosphere study
  • Ecology (correct)
  • Environmental microbiology

What is the main focus of environmental microbiology?

<p>Studying microorganisms and their activities in the environment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bacteria are abundant in general compared to Gram-positive bacteria in terrestrial environments?

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

What is the role of viruses in the environment?

<p>Diverting a cell’s energy to the synthesis of new viruses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most numerous type of microorganism in soil?

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

Which microorganism is known for decomposing plant tissues such as cellulose and lignin in soil?

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

In freshwater habitats, which type of microorganism is mainly responsible for carrying out photosynthesis?

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

Which type of microorganism is commonly identified in freshwater habitats and is known to infect bacteria and fungi?

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

What factor is a limiting factor for microbial growth in freshwater environments?

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

What type of microorganism usually requires salt to survive and grow in marine ecosystems?

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

What is the primary reason microorganisms do not grow in air?

<p>Low nutrient availability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Heterotrophic Bacteria

  • Primary role: decomposing organic matter into carbon dioxide and nutrients
  • Play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning

Microbial Ecology

  • Focus: study of relationships between microorganisms and their environment

Environmental Microbiology

  • Main focus: study of microorganisms in the environment and their interactions with the ecosystem

Bacterial Abundance

  • Gram-negative bacteria are more abundant in terrestrial environments compared to Gram-positive bacteria

Role of Viruses

  • Play a key role in the environment by regulating microbial populations and influencing ecosystem processes

Soil Microbiology

  • Most numerous type of microorganism in soil: bacteria
  • Fungi (such as white rot fungi) are known for decomposing plant tissues like cellulose and lignin in soil

Freshwater Microbiology

  • Cyanobacteria are primarily responsible for carrying out photosynthesis in freshwater habitats
  • Bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) are commonly identified in freshwater habitats and infect bacteria and fungi

Limiting Factors

  • Nutrient availability is a limiting factor for microbial growth in freshwater environments

Marine Microbiology

  • Halophilic microorganisms require salt to survive and grow in marine ecosystems

Microbial Growth

  • Primary reason microorganisms do not grow in air: lack of moisture

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