Microbial Habitats Quiz

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which method can be modified to measure gene expression or translational activity?

Restriction enzyme digestion

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification of specific genes (correct)

Electrophoresis

Molecular cloning

What does Geochip-functional gene microarray provide?

Hybridization to Geochip

Fluorescently labelled environmental DNA

Functional information to correlate with phylogenetic analysis (correct)

Relatively fast and easy analysis

What is a key advantage of massively parallel DNA sequencing?

Generates billions of sequence reads (correct)

Requires molecular cloning

Detects minor phylotypes

Analyzes amplified genes

What can specific genes be used as in microbial community analysis?

A measure of diversity Signup and view all the answers

What problem does enrichment bias pose in environmental microbiology?

Fewer than 0.1% of bacteria have been cultured Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of DNA microarray containing gene probes in Geochip?

Encompasses most major biogeochemical processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of stable isotope probing?

Feeding microorganisms with substrate labeled with stable heavy isotopes to trace their utilization of specific substrates in the microbial community Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of metaproteomics?

Measuring the diversity and abundance of different proteins in a community Signup and view all the answers

What does environmental genomic (metagenomics) involve?

Extracting DNA from environmental samples to identify genes not amplified by available PCR primers and assess phylogenetic and metabolic diversity Signup and view all the answers

How can microbial diversity be expressed?

In terms of species richness (total number of different species) and species abundance (proportion of each species) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of stable isotopes and isotopic fractionation in microbial ecosystems?

To trace the biological or geological origin of ancient environments Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of biofilms?

Trap nutrients for microbial growth and resist physical forces and toxins Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of syntrophy in microbial habitats?

Microbes cooperate to carry out transformations neither can accomplish alone, particularly important for anoxic carbon cycling Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the microbial mats found in microbial habitats?

Thick biofilms built by phototrophic and/or chemolithotrophic bacteria, containing filamentous cyanobacteria or sulfur-oxidizing bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary components of soils in microbial habitats?

Mineral and organic matter, with most microbial growth on soil particle surfaces and diverse microenvironments in soil aggregates Signup and view all the answers

What are arid soils in microbial habitats characterized by?

Extreme environments with limited plant growth, slow formation, and specialized microbial communities, subject to desertification Signup and view all the answers

Where does microbial life extend in the terrestrial subsurface?

At least 3,000 meters below the surface, with similar diversity to surface soils but in an extremely nutrient-limited environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the dominant form of microbial life in marine water?

Abundant small planktonic heterotrophic prokaryotes, with Pelagibacter as the most abundant marine heterotrophs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor influencing the diversity of soil bacterial and archaeal communities?

Varies with soil type and geographical location, high in undisturbed, unpolluted soils, and subject to measurable shifts due to perturbations and environmental changes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Microbial Habitats: Surfaces, Biofilms, Soils, and Marine Water

Syntrophy: microbes cooperate to carry out transformations neither can accomplish alone, particularly important for anoxic carbon cycling.
Surfaces: offer microbes greater access to nutrients and protection, with adsorbed nutrients and attachment providing favorable habitats.
Biofilms: assemblages of bacterial cells adhered to a surface, enclosed in an adhesive matrix, trap nutrients for microbial growth and resist physical forces and toxins.
Implications of biofilms: self-defense, favorable niche, close association, and implications in medical, dental, and industrial settings.
Microbial mats: thick biofilms built by phototrophic and/or chemolithotrophic bacteria, containing filamentous cyanobacteria or sulfur-oxidizing bacteria.
Soils: composed of mineral and organic matter, with most microbial growth on soil particle surfaces and diverse microenvironments in soil aggregates.
Soils formation: interdependent physical, chemical, and biological processes, with water availability, soil solution, and varied soil water conditions.
Arid soils: extreme environments with limited plant growth, slow formation, and specialized microbial communities, subject to desertification.
Soil bacterial and archaeal diversity: varies with soil type and geographical location, high in undisturbed, unpolluted soils, and subject to measurable shifts due to perturbations and environmental changes.
The terrestrial subsurface: microbial life extends at least 3,000 meters below the surface, with similar diversity to surface soils but in an extremely nutrient-limited environment.
Distribution of bacteria and archaea in marine water: abundant small planktonic heterotrophic prokaryotes, Pelagibacter as the most abundant marine heterotrophs, and dominance of bacterial species in surface waters.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge of microbial habitats with this quiz covering surfaces, biofilms, soils, and marine water. Explore the role of syntrophy, the formation of biofilms, microbial diversity in soils, and the distribution of bacteria and archaea in marine water. Gain insights into the unique characteristics and implications of these microbial habitats.