Introduction to Microbiology
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Questions and Answers

Viruses are considered living organisms because they can reproduce.

False (B)

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

  • DNA located in a nucleoid region
  • Contain membrane-bound organelles (correct)
  • Lack a nucleus
  • Unicellular

    • The process of using scabs from infected individuals to prevent smallpox was called ______.

    variolation

    What are the four main classes of macromolecules?

    <p>The four main classes of macromolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following scientists with their key contributions to microbiology:

    <p>Louis Pasteur = Disproved spontaneous generation Antonie van Leeuwenhoek = Observed microbes using early microscopes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is a characteristic of plant cells but NOT animal cells?

    <p>Presence of a cell wall (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A bacterial cell with a spherical shape is called a ______

    <p>coccus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of proteins in living organisms?

    <p>Proteins play a diverse range of roles, including catalyzing reactions (enzymes), providing structural support, transporting molecules across membranes (ion channels), and playing critical roles in the immune system (antibodies).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Prokaryotes

    Simple, unicellular organisms with no nucleus and no membrane-bound organelles.

    Eukaryotes

    Complex organisms with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria.

    Viruses

    Non-living, acellular entities that need a host to reproduce, consisting of DNA or RNA in a protein coat.

    Macromolecules

    Large molecules essential for life, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

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    Proteins

    Macromolecules made of amino acids, involved in catalyzing reactions, immunity, and transport.

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    Carbohydrates

    Energy storage and structural support molecules made from monosaccharides.

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    Bacterial Shapes

    Different morphologies of bacteria: coccus (spherical), bacillus (rod-shaped), spirillum (spiral-shaped).

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    Koch's Postulates

    Set of rules developed by Robert Koch to connect specific microbes to specific diseases.

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    Study Notes

    Introduction to Microbiology

    • Microbiology studies microscopic organisms like bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, and viruses.

    • Prokaryotes: Single-celled organisms lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria, archaea).

    • Eukaryotes: Complex organisms with a nucleus and organelles (e.g., animals, plants, fungi, protists).

    • Viruses: Non-living, parasitic entities requiring a host cell to reproduce.

    Cellular Structures of different organisms

    • Plant Cells: Possess cell walls made of cellulose, chloroplasts for photosynthesis, and a large central vacuole.

    • Fungal Cells: Have chitin cell walls, lack chloroplasts, and absorb nutrients from their environment.

    • Animal Cells: Lack cell walls, contain lysosomes and centrioles, and rely on mitochondria for energy.

    Key Discoveries and Inventions

    • Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1670s): Observed microbes using early microscopes.

    • Variolation: Early smallpox prevention method using scabs from infected individuals.

    • Ignaz Semmelweis: Discovered handwashing reduced childbirth fever.

    • Joseph Lister: Introduced aseptic surgery using carbolic acid.

    • Louis Pasteur: Disproved spontaneous generation through his swan-neck flask experiment.

    • Robert Koch: Developed Koch's Postulates, connecting microbes to specific diseases.

    • Modern Advances (2000s): Include nucleotide vaccines like mRNA vaccines (e.g., Pfizer, Moderna).

    Macromolecules

    • Macromolecules are large complex molecules built from smaller units, also called monomers.

    • Proteins: Constructed from amino acids, they function in catalysis (enzymes), immunity, and transport.

    • Carbohydrates: Made up of monosaccharides (sugars), with roles in energy storage and structural support.

    • Lipids: Composed of fatty acids and glycerol, crucial for cell membrane structure and energy storage.

    • Nucleic Acids: Formed from nucleotides, carrying genetic information (DNA & RNA).

    Prokaryotic Cell Structure & Staining

    • Bacterial Morphologies: Coccus (spherical), Bacillus (rod-shaped), Spirillum (spiral).

    • Bacterial Shapes: Cocci can form chains (streptococci) or clusters (staphylococci); bacilli can exist as single cells, pairs, or chains; spirilla are curved or corkscrew-shaped.

    • Cell Wall: Essential for shape and protection, made of peptidoglycan.

    • Cell Membrane: Controls substance entry and exit.

    • Nucleoid: Contains bacterial DNA (circular).

    • Ribosomes: Produce proteins.

    • Flagella: Enable movement.

    • Fimbriae/Pili: Facilitate attachment and conjugation (gene transfer).

    • Capsule: A protective layer surrounding some bacteria.

    • Gram-Positive Bacteria: Thick peptidoglycan layer; stain purple.

    • Gram-Negative Bacteria: Thin peptidoglycan, outer membrane; stain pink.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the fundamentals of microbiology, including the classification of microorganisms such as bacteria, archaea, and viruses. It also discusses cellular structures of various organisms like plants, fungi, and animals, along with key historical discoveries in the field. Test your knowledge on these essential concepts.

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