Microbes and Microorganisms Overview

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What Latin word does 'germ' come from?

Microorganisms

Germen (correct)

Germinate

Photosynthesis

Which of the following is NOT included in microorganisms?

Bacteria

Fish (correct)

Microscopic algae

Protozoa

What do viruses help maintain in our environment?

Water supply

Atmospheric pressure

Balance of life (correct)

Seasonal temperatures

In which process do soil microbes incorporate nitrogen gas from the air into organic compounds?

Nitrogen fixation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for microbes that live stably in and on the human body?

Microbiome Signup and view all the answers

Which bacteria in our intestines aid in digestion and synthesize some essential vitamins?

E. coli Signup and view all the answers

What converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants and animals?

Bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is the major pollutant found in sewage?

Human excrement Signup and view all the answers

What do sewage treatment plants primarily remove from sewage?

Suspended solids Signup and view all the answers

Which process uses bacteria to clean up pollutants produced by industrial processes?

Bioremediation Signup and view all the answers

What technique has been used to produce natural proteins, vaccines, and enzymes in biotechnology?

Recombinant DNA technology Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of inserting a missing gene or replacing a defective one in human cells called?

Gene therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of carbon for photosynthetic protozoa like Euglena?

Carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of algae?

Require organic compounds from the environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of algae in the balance of nature?

Producing oxygen and carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

Which microbial group is considered acellular and contains either DNA or RNA as its core nucleic acid?

Viruses Signup and view all the answers

How do viruses reproduce?

Through cellular machinery of other organisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about helminths is true?

During some stages, helminths are microscopic in size. Signup and view all the answers

What major groups of parasites are collectively known as helminths?

Flatworms and roundworms Signup and view all the answers

How do bacteria in biofilms become resistant to antibiotics?

Bacteria stick to solid surfaces, forming a slimy layer. Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the development of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs)?

Exposure to known diseases in regions with deforestation. Signup and view all the answers

Why are antibiotic-resistant bacteria considered a global health crisis?

Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to their prevalence and resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What role does fever play in destroying microbes?

Fever enhances the immune response against harmful microbes. Signup and view all the answers

How can biofilms be both beneficial and harmful?

They provide food for aquatic animals and clog water pipes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of biofilms on medical implants?

Bacteria breaking away from biofilms can cause infections on the implants. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of bacteria in the human body?

To help train the immune system and prevent growth of pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of fungi?

Their cell walls are composed primarily of chitin Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of Archaea compared to bacteria?

They lack peptidoglycan in their cell walls Signup and view all the answers

How do most bacteria obtain their nutrition?

By using organic chemicals derived from dead or living organisms Signup and view all the answers

Which group of Archaea is known to live in extremely salty environments?

Extreme halophiles Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between fungi and most plants?

Fungi cannot carry out photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

How do protozoa move?

By using extensions of their cytoplasm called pseudopods Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Protozoa from Fungi?

Protozoa obtain nourishment from living hosts, while Fungi absorb organic material from their environment Signup and view all the answers

How do bacteria reproduce?

By binary fission Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of bacterial cell walls?

Peptidoglycan Signup and view all the answers