Microbial Diversity Session 1: Bacterial Nomenclature

The scientific name for a bacterial species is composed of two parts: Genus and species. For example, Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Bacterial names can be based on their appearance (shape, color), location (place or scientist who discovered it), or characteristics (food source or metabolic activity).

Bacterial morphology refers to the shape and structure of bacteria under a microscope. They can appear in various forms, like rods, spheres, or spirals.

Pleiomorphic bacteria are those that can change their shape and structure depending on the environment they are in. This adaptability allows them to survive in different conditions.

Bacteria can be categorized based on their metabolic activities, such as their ability to use oxygen for respiration, metabolize different types of sugars, or break down specific chemicals.

A parasite that lives inside the host's body causing infection.

A parasite that lives on the external surface of the host causing infection.

An animal where the adult or sexually reproducing form of the parasite lives.

An animal where the parasite lives during its larval stage or asexually reproducing form.

An organism that transmits a parasite from one organism to another.

The study of how the functions of organisms are related to their evolutionary history. It examines how genes, enzymes, and metabolic pathways have evolved and how these changes impact the organism's abilities and adaptations.

The loss of certain genes over time during evolution, leading to differences in functionality between closely related organisms.

The independent evolution of similar traits or functionalities in unrelated organisms.

The process by which genetic material is exchanged between organisms that are not parent and offspring, commonly occurring in bacteria through plasmids.

The diverse range of functions, adaptations, and ways of life that microbes have developed.

Study of microbial functions through observing their metabolic processes and the molecules they produce.

Examining the physical characteristics of microorganisms through techniques like microscopy and staining.

The ecological niches and interactions microbes have with their environment and with other organisms.

A network of interconnected fungal filaments that spreads through the substrate, enabling the fungus to absorb nutrients and water.

A type of fungal reproduction where the mycelium undergoes mitosis, creating copies of itself. This results in the production and dispersal of spores, which can germinate in suitable environments.

A type of fungal reproduction involving the fusion of two mycelia to form spores. This introduces genetic variation and helps fungi adapt to changing environments.

A method of asexual reproduction in yeast, where a parent cell produces a bud that grows into a new, identical cell.

A type of asexual reproduction in yeast, very similar to bacterial reproduction. The parent cell grows and divides into two identical daughter cells.

A type of sexual reproduction in yeast where two diploid cells fuse, recombine their DNA, and produce four haploid ascospores, which can then germinate.

A process where fungi release spores into the environment. These spores can either germinate immediately or remain dormant until suitable conditions arise.

Certain fungi can exist in both a hyphal (filamentous) form and a yeast-like form, switching between them in response to environmental changes.

The organism that transmits a disease-causing agent from one host to another. For example, mosquitos transmit malaria from humans to other humans.

The dwelling place where an organism lives and thrives. For example, the human body provides a suitable habitat for many parasites.

The process by which a parasite enters the host's body and establishes itself. This can be through various mechanisms.

The ability of a parasite to adapt and change its form to survive in different environments. For example, some parasites can change their shape to fit inside different cells.

The damage caused by a parasite to its host, including illness, disease, or even death. This damage can happen through various mechanisms.

A parasite's impact on the host's body can result in blockages due to a large number of parasites.

The specific location within the host where a parasite lives and thrives.

The way a parasite feeds, which can lead to injuries or wounds on the host.

When a parasite competes with its host for essential nutrients, depriving the host of necessary nutrition.

A parasite life cycle that involves only one host, with potential larval stages.

A parasite life cycle that involves at least two hosts, with a definitive host and one or more intermediate hosts.

Microscopic, single-celled organisms that belong to the kingdom Protista, known for their heterotrophic nature and motility.

Multicellular organisms belonging to the kingdom Animalia, including worms, tapeworms, and flukes.

Invertebrate animals characterized by an exoskeleton, segmented bodies, and jointed appendages.

A group of arthropods that includes ticks, with four pairs of legs in adulthood and three pairs in larval stages.

A group of arthropods that includes insects, characterized by three pairs of legs and three body regions.

Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.