38 Questions
What is the meaning of the term 'microbiology' according to the text?
The study of small living organisms
Which of the following is NOT a sub-discipline of microbiology mentioned in the text?
Oncology
What is the primary focus of clinical/medical microbiology according to the text?
The study of pathogenic microbes and their role in human illness
Which of the following is NOT a sub-discipline of microbiology mentioned in the text?
Biochemistry
What is the primary focus of food microbiology according to the text?
The study of microbes causing food spoilage and foodborne illness
Which of the following is NOT a sub-discipline of microbiology mentioned in the text?
Immunology
What does the term 'Prusiner' refer to?
A type of protein that causes transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
Which philosopher in the 6th century BC believed in the existence of 'unseen microbiological life'?
Jainism
Which scientist observed bacteria and other microorganisms using a single-lens microscope of his own design?
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
Who was the pioneer of the smallpox (variola) vaccine?
Edward Jenner
Which two scholars in the 14th century hypothesized that infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms that enter the human body?
Ibn Khatima and Ibn al-Khatib
What did Ibn Sina (Avicenna) state in 'The Cannon of Medicine'?
That body secretions are contaminated by 'foul foreign earthly bodies' before being infected, but he did not view them as primary causes of disease
What is the shape of the DNA in prokaryotic cells?
Circular
What is the main function of plasmids in prokaryotic cells?
Confer special properties
Which molecule is most useful for determining the evolutionary relationships between organisms?
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
Which of the three domains of life are more closely related to each other than to the Bacteria domain?
Archaea and Eukarya
Which domain contains organisms that live in extreme environments?
Archaea
What is the process of change over time that results in new varieties and species of organisms called?
Evolution
What is the term used to describe the scientific names of organisms, consisting of the genus and specific epithet?
Binomial
Which type of microorganism has a cell wall made of chitin?
Fungi
Which type of microorganism is not considered a true cell, but rather a infectious protein in a misfolded form?
Prion
Which type of microorganism is capable of photosynthesis and produces oxygen and carbohydrates?
Algae
Where is DNA found in eukaryotic cells?
Nucleus
Which type of cell generally has no membrane-enclosed organelles?
Prokaryotic cells
What is the function of mitochondrion in a eukaryotic cell?
Energy production
Which type of cell has a nucleoid instead of a nucleus?
Bacterial cell
What is the role of the Golgi complex in eukaryotic cells?
Protein modification and packaging
Which type of cell has a genome composed of 4.64 million base pairs?
Bacterial cell
What is the main focus of Pharmaceutical Microbiology?
Study of microorganisms related to pharmaceutical products
What is the primary role of microorganisms in the rumen of a soybean plant?
Break down cellulose into glucose
Which of the following is a positive impact of microorganisms in the human gastrointestinal tract?
Compete with pathogens for space and resources
What is the primary role of microorganisms in the production of biofuels?
Generate products like methane, ethanol, and hydrogen
Which of the following is a key characteristic of extremophiles?
Can grow in extremely harsh environments
What is the primary focus of Agricultural Microbiology?
Study of agriculturally relevant microorganisms
What is the primary role of microorganisms in the production of fermented foods?
Convert glucose into dairy products, sauerkraut, pickles, and leavened breads
Which of the following is a reason why we should study Medical Microbiology?
To understand the impact of infectious disease agents on human health
What is the primary role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles?
Carry out major processes for biogeochemical cycles
What is the primary function of the cytoplasmic (cell) membrane in microbial cells?
Separates the inside of the cell from the outside environment
Study Notes
Introduction to Microbiology
- Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, including unicellular, multicellular, and acellular organisms.
- The field of microbiology encompasses various sub-disciplines, such as virology, mycology, parasitology, and bacteriology.
Sub-disciplines of Microbiology
- Medical/Clinical Microbiology: the study of pathogenic microbes and their role in human illness.
- Veterinary Microbiology: the study of microbes that affect animals.
- Molecular Microbiology: the study of molecular principles of physiological processes in microorganisms.
- Evolutionary Microbiology: the study of the evolution of microbes.
- Environmental Microbiology: the study of microbes in their natural environments.
- Food Microbiology: the study of microorganisms that cause food spoilage and foodborne illness.
History of Microbiology
- 6th century BC: Jainism proposed the existence of "unseen microbiological life".
- 14th century: Ibn Khatima and Ibn al-Khatib hypothesized that infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms.
- 1635-1703: Robert Hooke observed microorganisms using a microscope.
- 1632-1723: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek observed bacteria and other microorganisms using a single-lens microscope.
- 1749-1823: Edward Jenner pioneered the smallpox vaccine.
Evolution and Diversity of Microbial Cells
- Evolution: the process of change over time that results in new varieties and species of organisms.
- Phylogeny: the study of evolutionary relationships between organisms.
- Comparative rRNA sequencing has defined three distinct lineages of cells called domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
Classification and Naming of Microorganisms
- Carolus Linnaeus established the system of scientific nomenclature in 1735.
- Each organism has two names: the genus and the specific epithet.
- Scientific names are italicized or underlined, with the genus capitalized and the specific epithet in lowercase.
Types of Microorganisms
- Bacteria: prokaryotes with peptidoglycan cell walls.
- Archaea: prokaryotes that often live in extreme environments.
- Algae: eukaryotes that use photosynthesis for energy.
- Viruses: acellular particles composed of DNA or RNA surrounded by a protein coat.
- Fungi: eukaryotes with chitin cell walls that absorb organic chemicals for energy.
- Protozoa: eukaryotes that absorb or ingest organic chemicals.
Structure and Activities of Microbial Cells
- Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-enclosed organelles and have a single, circular chromosome.
- Eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus and contain organelles.
Importance of Microbiology
- Understanding basic life processes.
- Applying knowledge to benefit humans in medicine, agriculture, and industry.
- Microorganisms are essential for human health, agriculture, and the environment.
Test your knowledge about the fundamental concepts of medical microbiology including the study of microscopic organisms, sub-disciplines like virology, mycology, bacteriology, and more. Explore the significance of microbiology in various fields such as medical, pharmaceutical, environmental, and industrial sectors.
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