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Questions and Answers
What are the three domains in taxonomy?
What are the three domains in taxonomy?
Which of the following describes Archaea?
Which of the following describes Archaea?
Which of the following is true about fungi?
Which of the following is true about fungi?
Which is the correct order of levels in the Linnaean Classification?
Which is the correct order of levels in the Linnaean Classification?
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What role do microorganisms play in maintaining human health?
What role do microorganisms play in maintaining human health?
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Which of the following best describes a primary pathogen?
Which of the following best describes a primary pathogen?
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Which type of pathogen might cause an infection in someone with a weakened immune system?
Which type of pathogen might cause an infection in someone with a weakened immune system?
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What is NOT a characteristic of viruses?
What is NOT a characteristic of viruses?
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Which of the following is a benefit of microorganisms?
Which of the following is a benefit of microorganisms?
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What defines a prokaryotic organism?
What defines a prokaryotic organism?
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Study Notes
Definition of Microbiology
- Study of microorganisms, tiny organisms only visible under a microscope.
- Includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae.
Three Domains in Taxonomy
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Bacteria:
- Single-celled, prokaryotic organisms without a nucleus.
- Found in diverse environments with simple cell structures.
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Archaea:
- Prokaryotic organisms similar to bacteria, with unique genetic and biochemical features.
- Thrive in extreme environments like hot springs and deep-sea vents.
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Eukarya:
- Organisms with cells that contain a true nucleus.
- Includes animals, plants, fungi, and protists.
Specific Microorganism Types
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Bacteria:
- Prokaryotic, single-celled with various shapes and metabolic pathways.
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Archaea:
- Similar to bacteria but adapted to live in extreme environments; distinct genetics and biochemistry.
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Fungi:
- Eukaryotic, can be unicellular (yeast) or multicellular (molds).
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Protozoa:
- Unicellular, motile eukaryotes, typically found in water or soil.
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Algae:
- Photosynthetic eukaryotes, primarily aquatic, can be unicellular or multicellular.
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Helminths:
- Parasitic worms that are multicellular in nature.
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Viruses:
- Non-living infectious agents composed of genetic material (DNA or RNA) in a protein coat, requiring a host for replication.
Eight Levels of Linnaean Classification
- Levels arranged from broadest to most specific:
- Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
Benefits and Importance of Microorganisms
- Essential for decomposition, nutrient cycling, and fermentation processes.
- Utilized in biotechnology to produce antibiotics, vitamins, and vaccines.
- Contribute to human health maintenance through the microbiome.
Pathogens
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Defined as microorganisms that cause disease.
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Primary Pathogens:
- Cause diseases in healthy hosts (e.g., Streptococcus leading to strep throat).
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Opportunistic Pathogens:
- Cause infections primarily in individuals with weakened immune systems (e.g., Candida in immunocompromised patients).
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of microbiology, including the definition of microorganisms and the three domains in taxonomy: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Understand the characteristics that distinguish these domains, such as cell structure and environmental adaptability.
