HST 110: General Microbiology and Cell Structure

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Questions and Answers

How does the presence of a capsule contribute to a bacterium's ability to cause disease?

The capsule protects the bacterium from the host's immune system and from antibiotics, enhancing its survival and ability to establish an infection.

Describe the key structural difference between a bacterial cell wall and a cell membrane, and how this difference relates to their respective functions

The cell wall is rigid and porous due to its peptidoglycan (murein) composition, providing shape and protection. The cell membrane is a flexible lipid bilayer that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Explain how the bacterial flagellum contributes to bacterial survival in diverse environments.

The flagellum enables bacteria to move, allowing them to seek out nutrients, escape harmful conditions, and migrate to favorable locations.

What is the primary function of pili in bacterial cells, and how does this relate to pathogenicity or genetic diversity?

Pili facilitate attachment to host cells and transfer of genetic material between bacteria, both of which can enhance pathogenicity and genetic diversity. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the bacterial cell wall a good target for antibiotics, and what component makes it susceptible?

The cell wall's unique peptidoglycan (murein) composition is not found in eukaryotic cells, making it a specific target. Antibiotics can disrupt its synthesis or structure, leading to cell lysis. Signup and view all the answers

How does the structure of the cell membrane contribute to its function in regulating the transport of substances?

The lipid bilayer structure of the cell membrane allows it to be selectively permeable, controlling the movement of ions, proteins, and nutrients through embedded channels and transport proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main components of the cytoplasm in a bacterial cell, and how do these components support cellular functions?

The cytoplasm is mainly composed of water and salts and contains different organelles. These components provide a medium for biochemical reactions and support essential cellular processes. Signup and view all the answers

If a bacterial cell lost its ability to produce pili, what specific functions would be most affected, and why?

Attachment to host cells and the transfer of genetic material would be significantly affected because pili are essential for these processes. Signup and view all the answers

What would be the most likely consequence for a bacterium if its cell wall was damaged, and why?

The bacterium would likely undergo lysis, due to the compromised cell wall failing to protect it from osmotic pressure and mechanical damage. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast the functions of the cell wall and the cell membrane in a bacterial cell.

The cell wall provides shape and protection from damage and lysis, while the cell membrane controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

How does the absence of a nucleus in bacteria affect the organization of their genetic material compared to eukaryotic cells?

Without a nucleus, bacterial DNA is located in the nucleoid region, which lacks a membrane. This allows for quicker access to the DNA for protein synthesis but less protection against environmental factors. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the functional relationship between ribosomes and DNA in a bacterial cell.

DNA contains the genetic code for proteins, and ribosomes are the site where this code is translated into proteins. Ribosomes use the information encoded in DNA to synthesize proteins necessary for cell function. Signup and view all the answers

If a bacterial cell's cell wall is damaged, how would this affect its ability to maintain its shape and structural integrity?

Damage to the cell wall compromises the cell's shape and structural integrity. The cell may lose its shape and become more susceptible to lysis (bursting) due to osmotic pressure. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the functions of the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum in eukaryotic cells are collectively performed in bacterial cells, given that bacteria lack these organelles?

Bacterial cells lack these organelles, so protein modification and transport occur in the cytoplasm and via the cell membrane. Chaperone proteins assist in folding, and secretion systems transport proteins across the membrane. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the cell membrane in regulating the internal environment of a bacterial cell, and how does this contribute to its survival?

The cell membrane controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell, maintaining optimal internal conditions for survival. It allows for the import of nutrients and the export of waste products. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the combined actions of the capsule and cell wall contribute to a bacterial cell's ability to cause disease.

The capsule enhances the bacteria's ability to evade the host's immune system by preventing phagocytosis. The cell wall provides structural support and protection from osmotic stress and mechanical forces. Signup and view all the answers

Contrast the energy production mechanisms in bacteria with those in eukaryotic cells, considering that bacteria lack mitochondria.

Bacteria produce energy through processes like glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, which occur in the cytoplasm and along the cell membrane, unlike eukaryotes where these processes primarily occur in mitochondria. Signup and view all the answers

How do bacterial pili contribute to the formation of biofilms, and why are biofilms significant in medical contexts?

Pili enable bacteria to attach to surfaces and to each other, initiating biofilm formation. Biofilms are significant in medical contexts because they can increase bacterial resistance to antibiotics and host immune responses. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of flagella in bacterial survival and how they contribute to the organism's ability to find nutrients or escape harmful environments.

Flagella enable bacteria to move towards nutrients or away from harmful substances, allowing them to find better living conditions. This motility enhances their survival by optimizing nutrient intake and minimizing exposure to toxins. Signup and view all the answers

Compared to the complexity of eukaryotic organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, how do bacterial cells manage protein folding and transport?

Bacteria use chaperone proteins in the cytoplasm to assist with protein folding. Transport across the cell membrane relies on specialized secretion systems that move proteins out of the cell or insert them into the membrane. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Bacterial cell wall

Determines the shape of bacteria.

Ribosome

Synthesizes proteins in the cell.