Microbiology: Archaea and Bacterial Metabolism

Archaea Types

• Halophiles: Thrive in highly salty environments (12-15% salt concentration). Found in locations like the Great Salt Lake and Dead Sea.
• Thermoacidophiles: Survive in extremely hot and acidic aquatic environments, including hot springs, geysers, and underwater volcanoes. Adapted to temperatures as high as 80°C.
• Methanogens: Use carbon dioxide and hydrogen as energy sources, producing methane as a byproduct. Found in anaerobic environments like swamps and the intestines of animals, including cows and humans.

Bacterial Metabolism

• Cyanobacteria: Are photoautotrophs, meaning they use chlorophyll for photosynthesis and release oxygen as a byproduct.

Bacterial Diseases in Humans

• Food Poisoning:
  • Some bacteria produce toxins while growing in food, causing vomiting and diarrhea (often self-limiting).
  • Clostridium botulinum produces a highly toxic substance.
  • Other bacteria cause infections in the intestines, like Salmonella, which causes symptoms days after growth.
• Streptococcus Infections:
  • Streptococcus pyogenes is the primary cause.
    • Can cause pharyngitis (strep throat).
    • Impetigo (mild skin disease in infants).
    • Scarlet fever (characterized by a red rash).
    • Rheumatic fever (autoimmune disease). Untreated strep throat can trigger autoimmune issues, causing heart damage and other problems.
• Staphylococcus aureus:
  • About 20% of people carry this bacteria.
  • Typically causes skin infections.
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a strain resistant to antibiotics.

Common Cold and Influenza

• Common Cold: Caused mainly by rhinoviruses, a virus often linked to asthma triggers.
• Influenza: Caused by influenza viruses targeting the nose, throat, and lungs.

Prions

• Prions: Protein infectious particles.
  • Normal proteins change shape, causing other normal proteins to misfold, leading to degenerative nervous system diseases.
  • Prions are transmitted through ingestion of infected tissues, like in bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease).

Explore the fascinating world of Archaea and their unique types, such as Halophiles, Thermoacidophiles, and Methanogens. Additionally, discover the metabolism of Cyanobacteria and the implications of bacterial diseases in humans, including food poisoning. This quiz will test your knowledge on these essential microbial topics.