Microbiology Basics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the five groups of medically important microbes?

  • Protozoans
  • Archaea (correct)
  • Viruses
  • Fungi

What is the correct way to write the scientific name for humans?

  • Homo sapiens (correct)
  • Homo Sapiens
  • HOMO SAPIENS
  • homo sapiens

In the context of the content regarding regions and diseases, what is the primary reason that developing nations have more protozoan and helminthic diseases compared to developed nations?

  • Genetic predispositions
  • Sanitation differences (correct)
  • Climate differences
  • Access to advanced medical care

Which of the following statements about viruses is true?

<p>Viruses are non-living and do not have a kingdom. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'specific epithet' refer to in the scientific naming of organisms?

<p>The second part of the two-part scientific name. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these scientists observed cells for the first time?

<p>Robert Hooke (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the focus of microbiology?

<p>The study of microorganisms and their impact on human health. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic that differentiates opportunistic pathogens from true pathogens?

<p>Opportunistic pathogens require predisposing factors to cause infection. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of an opportunistic pathogen?

<p>Mycobacterium tuberculosis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition can result from an overpopulation of Candida albicans?

<p>Thrush (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Escherichia coli is accurate?

<p>E. coli poses a risk of pneumonia when introduced to the lungs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a predisposing factor that may facilitate opportunistic infections?

<p>Use of breathing aids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the contribution of Anton van Leeuwenhoek to microbiology?

<p>He observed and documented the existence of microbes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Louis Pasteur's work was critical in the advancements of microbiology. What is not one of his accomplishments?

<p>Developing a system for naming living organisms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the primary function of a transmission electron microscope (TEM)?

<p>To observe viruses, ribosomes, and other extremely small structures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of viruses that distinguishes them from cellular organisms?

<p>They are acellular and require a host to reproduce. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a compound light microscope (CLM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM)?

<p>CLMs are used to observe bacteria and tissues, while TEMs are used for viruses and other small structures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Wendell Stanley's research reveal about the structure of a virus?

<p>Viruses are composed of RNA and protein. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scientific advancement occurred first, based on the timeline provided?

<p>Development of the smallpox vaccine. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided information, what did the development of the first transmission electron microscope enable biologists to do?

<p>See individual virus particles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the capsid found in the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)?

<p>To enclose and protect the RNA molecule (genome). (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

<p>DNA in direct contact with the cytoplasm. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of reproduction for bacteria?

<p>Binary fission. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisms are classified as eukaryotes?

<p>Protozoans. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do viruses reproduce?

<p>By using components of the host cell to replicate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of fungi?

<p>They are all prokaryotic cells. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is unique to eukaryotic cells, but not prokaryotic cells?

<p>Membrane-bound organelles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Multicellular eukaryotic parasites are also known as:

<p>Helminths or MCAPs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do most disease-causing bacteria multiply?

<p>In the spaces between host cells. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which reproductive method is NOT used by yeasts?

<p>Spore formation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can consist of both unicellular and multicellular forms?

<p>Fungi. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a cyst in the life cycle of Entamoeba?

<p>To protect the amoeba during its passage through the environment and stomach (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the nucleoid region?

<p>The region in prokaryotic cells where the DNA resides. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes an organism that transmits an illness, such as a mosquito in the case of malaria?

<p>Vector (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of the Plasmodium life cycle occurs in both the human liver and blood?

<p>Merozoites (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it difficult to culture protozoans and MCAPs in the laboratory?

<p>It is hard to replicate the conditions they need for growth without a host. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a common use for culturing microbes?

<p>Creating complex animal habitats (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the life cycle of MCAPs, what is a common requirement beyond a single host?

<p>They require two or more hosts to complete their development. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of mold spores that allows them to be easily dispersed?

<p>They can resist drying out and are air-borne. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are protozoans and MCAPs usually identified in a clinical setting?

<p>By observing them directly or their eggs in a sample. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does culture media typically provide for the growth of microbes?

<p>Nutrients from animal or plant extracts (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the Three Domain System and the Six Kingdom system in biological classification?

<p>The Three Domain System categorizes life based on fundamental differences, while the Six Kingdom System offers a more accessible framework. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the information provided, which of the following statements most accurately reflects the roles of viruses and bacteria in human disease worldwide?

<p>Viruses and bacteria are the primary causes of diseases in the developed world, while protozoans and helminths are more impactful in the developing world. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a newly identified microbe is determined to be a multicellular organism with complex organ systems, and is confirmed to be a parasite, to which of the following groups would it most likely belong?

<p>MCAPS (Kingdom Animalia) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the microbes mentioned in this text is most important for their classification into different domains and kingdoms?

<p>Their fundamental characteristics and cellular structure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a requirement for the proper naming of a microbe in accordance with the provided text?

<p>The naming must follow a binomial system consisting of a Genus and a specific epithet (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cellular components is present in both bacteria and fungi?

<p>Ribosomes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant difference in the method of reproduction between bacteria and fungi?

<p>Bacteria reproduce through binary fission, while fungi do not use this specific method (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of cellular structure, what characteristic is unique to eukaryotic cells, including both protozoans and fungi, compared to prokaryotic cells?

<p>The presence of membrane-bound organelles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental distinction between the reproduction of viruses and bacteria?

<p>Bacteria can reproduce extracellularly, while viruses require another cell. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between MCAPs and protozoans regarding their cellular structure and classification?

<p>MCAPs are multicellular eukaryotes, while protozoans are mostly unicellular eukaryotes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the historical timeline presented, which advancement regarding vaccines was developed after the development of a system for naming living organisms?

<p>The smallpox vaccine by Edward Jenner. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided, which of the following is a direct application of the advancements made by Robert Koch?

<p>The standardization of staining techniques for viewing microbes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant limitation of the compound light microscope described that prevents it from observing the structural details of a virus?

<p>It uses light waves that are longer than the structures of viruses. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, what is the fundamental difference in the composition of the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and the human adenovirus 5?

<p>The content does not give enough information to differentiate the nucleic acid of TMV from that of adenovirus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the descriptions of both the compound light microscope (CLM) and the transmission electron microscope (TEM), what is the key difference in their applications within microbiology?

<p>CLMs are used for observing general cell structures, while TEMs are used for detailed intracellular structures and viruses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bacterial DNA is located in direct contact with the:

<p>cytoplasm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly identifies the cell type of fungi?

<p>Some are unicellular and some multicellular (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these describes how animal viruses are taken in by cells?

<p>Endocytosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a unique characteristic of eukaryotic cells, but not prokaryotic cells?

<p>Membrane-bound organelles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the division process used by bacteria for reproduction?

<p>Binary fission (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary basis for grouping living organisms in the Three Domain System?

<p>Their fundamental genetic and biochemical characteristics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the correct format for writing the scientific name of an organism?

<p>Genus (uppercase) and specific epithet (lowercase). (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which regions are protozoan and helminthic diseases more prevalent, according to the provided text?

<p>Africa and Asia. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes viruses from the other mentioned groups of microbes?

<p>They are non-living and have no kingdom classification. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, whose observation of cells marked an early milestone in microbiology?

<p>Robert Hooke. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of reproduction for molds?

<p>Spore formation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the role of a vector in the context of disease transmission?

<p>It transmits an illness from one host to another (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key function of the cyst in the life cycle of Entamoeba?

<p>To protect the amoeba when exposed to harsh environments (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical characteristic of the life cycle of MCAPs (helminths)?

<p>Often involve multiple hosts to complete their life cycle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it difficult to culture protozoans and MCAPs in a laboratory setting?

<p>They require a complex host environment that is hard to replicate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is shared by both protozoans and fungi, according to the provided information?

<p>They are both eukaryotic organisms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the DNA of bacteria from that of fungi?

<p>Bacterial DNA is in direct contact with the cytoplasm, while fungal DNA is enclosed within a nucleus. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the process of virus reproduction?

<p>Viruses use the host cell's mechanisms to replicate their nucleic acid and other components. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method by which most disease-causing bacteria multiply?

<p>They multiply in the extracellular spaces between host cells by binary fission. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

From the content, what is true about the reproductive characteristics of both bacteria and fungi?

<p>They both require a suitable environment to reproduce and can reproduce on their own. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the 'Three Domain System' and the 'Six Kingdom System' mentioned in the content?

<p>The Six Kingdom System is considered simpler to use, while the Three Domain System is based on fundamental characteristics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct order of a scientific name, and the type of name?

<p>Genus followed by specific epithet; scientific name (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the provided text, what is the primary reason for the higher prevalence of protozoan and helminthic diseases in developing nations as opposed to developed nations?

<p>Developing nations generally have poorer sanitation conditions compared to developed nations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the introduction to microbiology, which of the following statements best reflects the nature of viruses?

<p>Viruses are non-living, and therefore don't belong to any kingdom. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the medically important microbes listed, what is a common characteristic of bacteria, fungi, and protozoans that differentiates them from viruses?

<p>They are all considered living organisms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary role do animal or plant 'extracts' play in the culturing of microbes?

<p>They supply essential nutrients needed for microbial growth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do encysted amoebas of Entamoeba resist digestion and ensure survival in humans?

<p>The cyst provides a barrier against stomach acid, allowing them to reach the intestine. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is direct observation often the preferred method for identifying protozoans and MCAPs, as opposed to culturing them?

<p>They have complex host-dependent requirements, making lab duplication difficult. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Unlike yeasts, how do molds reproduce?

<p>By forming spores that can germinate into new organisms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the life cycle of Plasmodium, the protozoan that causes malaria, with respect to human and mosquito interaction?

<p>Sporozoites are transmitted from mosquitos to humans, and gametocytes are transmitted back to mosquitos. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Three Domain System

A system that classifies living organisms into three primary groups: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Six Kingdom System

A system that categorizes living organisms into six kingdoms: Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.

Genus Name

The first part of a scientific name, denoting a group of closely related species.

Specific Epithet

The second part of a scientific name, specifying a particular species within the genus.

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MCAPs

Also known as helminths, these are multicellular animal parasites, such as worms.

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Viruses

Organisms that cannot replicate independently and require a host cell to multiply.

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Bacteria

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

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Linnaeus's System

A system for naming living organisms, established by Carl Linnaeus in 1735.

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Vaccination

The process of making a vaccine from a weakened or inactive version of a pathogen to build immunity against the disease.

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Germ Theory of Disease

The theory that infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms, widely accepted after Robert Koch's research in the mid-1800s.

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Culturing Microorganisms (MO)

A process used to grow and study microorganisms (MO) under controlled conditions, particularly in microbiology.

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Staining Microorganisms

A method of staining microorganisms, a technique used in microbiology and microscopy.

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Compound Light Microscope (CLM)

A type of microscope that uses light to magnify images up to 1000 times, commonly used in biology labs and diagnostics.

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Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

A type of microscope that uses electrons to magnify images up to 10,000,000 times, used for very small structures like viruses and ribosomes.

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Virus Capsid

The protein shell that encloses the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of a virus.

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Binary fission

A process of reproduction used by most bacteria where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

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Nucleoid region

A distinct region within a prokaryotic cell that contains the genetic material (DNA) but is not enclosed by a membrane.

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Eukaryotes

Organisms composed of eukaryotic cells, which have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

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Prokaryotes

Organisms composed of prokaryotic cells, lacking a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

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Protozoan

A type of eukaryotic organism that is typically unicellular and often has animal-like characteristics.

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MCAPs (Multicellular Animal Parasites)

Multicellular eukaryotic organisms that are parasitic, commonly known as worms.

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Fungi

A type of eukaryotic organism that can be unicellular (yeasts) or multicellular (molds).

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Virus reproduction

The process by which viruses reproduce inside host cells, using the cell's machinery to create more virus particles.

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Opportunistic Pathogens

Microorganisms that are usually harmless and can only cause disease if given an opportunity, such as through wounds or weakened immune systems.

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True Pathogens

An organism that can invade a host and cause disease without requiring specific conditions or predisposing factors.

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Predisposing Factors

A factor that increases the susceptibility of a host to infection.

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Staphylococcus Aureus

Bacteria commonly found on the skin and in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, which can cause various infections like pneumonia or wound infections when conditions are favorable.

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Candida Albicans

A yeast commonly found in the mouth and vagina that can overgrow, causing conditions like thrush or vaginal yeast infections.

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Yeast budding

A type of asexual reproduction in yeasts where a smaller bud emerges from the parent cell and detaches to become a new yeast.

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Mold spores

Reproductive cells produced by molds, capable of developing into new organisms. They're resistant to drying out.

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Sporozoite

The stage of a Plasmodium parasite that is injected into humans by a mosquito.

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Merozoite

The stage of a Plasmodium parasite that multiplies in the human liver and blood.

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Gametocyte

The stage of a Plasmodium parasite that develops inside a mosquito, ready to be transmitted to another human.

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Amoeba cyst

A tough covering formed by some amoebas, allowing them to survive outside the host.

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Culturing microbes

The process of growing microbes in controlled conditions, usually in a lab.

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Culture media

Artificial media used to grow microbes in a laboratory, providing nutrients.

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Identifying protozoans and MCAPs

The method of identifying parasites in a sample, usually by direct observation of the organism or its eggs.

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Scientific Name

A two-part scientific name used for all living things, consisting of the genus and specific epithet. Example: Homo sapiens (humans).

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Genus

A group of closely related species, forming the first part of a scientific name. Example: Escherichia (genus of bacteria).

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Culturing Microorganisms

The process of growing and studying microorganisms under controlled conditions.

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What are bacteria?

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. They are prokaryotic cells.

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How do bacteria reproduce?

Bacteria reproduce by a process called binary fission, where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

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What are fungi?

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that can be unicellular (yeasts) or multicellular (molds). They are heterotrophic, meaning they obtain nutrients from other organisms.

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What are protozoans?

Protozoans are eukaryotic organisms that are typically unicellular and often have animal-like characteristics. They are heterotrophic, meaning they obtain nutrients from other organisms.

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What are MCAPs?

MCAPs, also known as helminths, are multicellular eukaryotic animals that are parasitic. They are typically worms.

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Microbiology

The study of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasites, focusing on their structure, function, and interactions with other organisms.

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Yeast reproduction

Yeasts can reproduce by budding or by ordinary eukaryotic cell division.

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Disease Causes in Developed vs. Developing World

Most diseases in developed (industrialized) countries are caused by either bacteria or viruses, while developing (non-industrialized) countries have more protozoan and helminthic diseases. This is mainly due to sanitation.

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Prokaryotic cell

A type of cell that lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, found in bacteria.

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Eukaryotic cell

A type of cell that has a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

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How do yeasts reproduce?

Yeasts reproduce asexually through budding, where a smaller bud emerges from the parent cell and eventually detaches to form a new yeast. They can also reproduce through regular eukaryotic cell division.

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How do molds reproduce?

Molds reproduce by forming spores, which are reproductive cells capable of developing into new organisms. These spores can resist drying out and are often airborne.

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How do protozoans reproduce?

Protozoans are often unable to reproduce outside of their host, as they require the host to provide a suitable environment and complex nutrients they can't obtain elsewhere.

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How does malaria spread?

Malaria is caused by the protozoan Plasmodium, which has a complex life cycle involving mosquitoes and humans. The sporozoite stage is transmitted by mosquitoes, while the merozoite stage multiplies in the human liver and blood.

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How does amoebic dysentery spread?

Amoebic dysentery is caused by the protozoan Entamoeba, which multiplies in the human large intestine. Some amoebas form cysts, which are tough coverings that protect them outside the host.

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Study Notes

Microbiology Overview

  • Microorganisms are a vast and diverse group, many beneficial, many causing human disease.
  • Five medically important microbes are: viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and MCAPs (multicellular animal parasites, also known as helminths).
  • Most diseases in developed countries are caused by either bacteria or viruses, while developing countries often have more protozoan and helminthic diseases due to sanitation levels.
  • The vast majority of microbes are actually beneficial.
  • The five groups of medically important microbes are viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and multicellular animal parasites.
  • The diseases caused in different parts of the world can vary due to the level of sanitation in that region.

Three Domains vs. Six Kingdoms

  • Biologists organize living things based on fundamental characteristics into groups.
  • The three-domain system is a widely used method for classification, while the six-kingdom system is often easier to use.
  • Viruses are non-living entities, with no kingdom.
  • The three domains are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
  • The six kingdoms are Bacteria, Archaea, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
  • The five medically important microbes, namely viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and MCAPs, are categorized into their respective domains and kingdoms within this system.

Scientific Names

  • All living things have a two-part scientific name (e.g., Homo sapiens).
  • The first part is the genus name, and the second is the specific epithet.

History of Microbiology

  • Early History: Robert Hooke saw cells in 1665; Anton van Leeuwenhoek saw microbes in 1673. Carolus Linnaeus developed a system for naming organisms in 1735. Edward Jenner developed and used a smallpox vaccine in 1798.
  • Mid 1800s: Louis Pasteur disproved spontaneous generation, created vaccines, and developed aseptic techniques. Robert Koch developed germ theory and advanced techniques for culturing microbial organisms.
  • Newer History: In the 1930s, scientists discovered penicillin, described the structure of viruses, and invented the transmission electron microscope. Watson and Crick discovered DNA structure in 1950. This later led to the development of the Sabin polio vaccine (1960) and HIV identification in 1985.

Light and Electron Microscopes

  • Compound light microscopes (CLMs) are common in biology labs for viewing bacteria, blood, and other samples. They magnify images up to 1000x.
  • Transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) are research tools used to view viruses, ribosomes, and other extremely small things at magnifications reaching 10,000,000x.

Viruses and Virus Structure

  • Viruses are acellular, non-living entities too small to see with a light microscope (submicroscopic).
  • Viruses consist of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protective shell.
  • They cannot reproduce on their own, replicating only inside host cells.
  • Example viruses include rabies, smallpox, and influenza.

Bacteria and Bacterial Structure

  • Bacteria are cellular, living entities.
  • Most bacteria can reproduce on their own, by binary fission.
  • Bacterial cells are prokaryotic, lacking membrane-bound organelles.
  • Bacteria possess a cell wall, plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, DNA, and RNA.
  • Streptococcus pyogenes (strep throat) and Escherichia coli are examples of bacteria.

Fungi

  • Fungi are made of eukaryotic cells (eukaryotes).
  • Some fungi (yeasts) are unicellular, while others (molds) are multicellular.
  • Fungi cause relatively few animal diseases, including ringworm, diaper rash, and athlete's foot.
  • Candida albicans is a yeast causing candidiasis (a common fungal infection).

Protozoans

  • Protozoans are eukaryotic, unicellular organisms.
  • Most are "animal-like," moving around and ingesting food.
  • Disease-causing protozoans are called parasites.
  • Malaria, sleeping sickness, and amoebic dysentery are caused by protozoans.

MCAPs (Helminths)

  • MCAPs are multicellular, eukaryotic animals.
  • MCAPs are often parasitic, and some of them are microscopic.
  • Tapeworms, roundworms, and flukes are examples of MCAPs.

Bacterial Reproduction

  • Nearly all bacteria reproduce on their own, through binary fission.
  • Cells simply divide—doubling in number.
  • This process requires a suitable environment with sufficient nutrients and other factors, to function correctly.

Fungal Reproduction

  • Fungi reproduce on their own, with requirements such as suitable conditions (food, water, and temperature).
  • Yeasts reproduce by budding or cell division.
  • Molds reproduce using spores that can resist drying out.

Protozoan Reproduction

  • Protozoans are usually unable to reproduce outside their host organisms.
  • They require a host to provide the necessary environment.
  • Protozoans often have complex life cycles with multiple stages or forms.

Plasmodium

  • Plasmodium is the protozoan that causes malaria.
  • Its life cycle requires a mosquito vector for transmission.
  • The stages of the Plasmodium Life cycle include sporozoites, merozoites, and gametocytes. The resulting symptoms are a consequence of the infection and spreading stages.

Entamoeba

  • Entamoeba is a protozoan that causes amoebic dysentery.
  • It replicates in the human large intestine via stages or forms, and the formed cysts provide protection in the environment.
  • Infections are often transmitted via contaminated food or water.

MCAP Reproduction

  • MCAPs (helminths) can reproduce on their own, but often require a living host for suitable conditions.
  • MCAPs frequently have complex life cycles requiring two or more hosts.

Culturing Microbes in the Lab

  • Culturing involves growing microbes for various reasons, including research, diagnostics, vaccine production, food production, drug production, and chemical synthesis.
  • Cultures are grown using culture media, typically derived from plant or animal extracts, which provide nutrients.

Identifying Protozoans and MCAPs

  • Identifying protozoans and MCAPs in a lab context involves observing the sample directly using microscopy; their growth is closely linked to the host environment.

Culturing Viruses

  • Viruses need living cells to reproduce.
  • Lab cultures are grown using live laboratory animals, embryonated eggs, or cell cultures.
  • Infected cells under investigation will display different features compared to healthy cells; these differences assist in identification.

Normal Microbiota

  • Normal microbiota (microbiome) refers to microbes (mostly bacteria, and some yeasts) that colonize the body.
  • The presence of normal microbiota is essential and helpful to human health; it can cause disease in the wrong location.

Microbial Antagonism

  • Normal microbiota prevents harmful microbes from growing by outcompeting them for resources, altering the environment, and producing toxins (bacteriocins).

Opportunistic Pathogens

  • Opportunistic pathogens are normally harmless microbes that cause disease under specific circumstances.
  • For example, these microbes require "help" from pre-existing conditions or factors, such as a wound, cuts or weakened immune system, to cause disease.

Koch's Postulates

  • Koch's postulates are a set of rules used to determine whether a particular microbe causes a specific disease.
  • The postulates include confirming the presence of the microbe in all disease cases, isolating it to grow pure cultures, confirming disease presence in lab animals when introduced with the microbe and then re-isolating the microbe from the lab animal that developed the associated disease.

Epidemiology

  • Epidemiology is the study of when and where diseases occur and how they spread.
  • Epidemiology includes studying the etiology (cause) of disease, transmission dynamics, and incidence (number of cases).
  • The main goal of epidemiology is to prevent and/or control diseases.

Spread of Infection

  • Reservoirs are the source of pathogens, including humans, animals, and non-living things.
  • Transmission means the movement of pathogens, either directly (person-to-person) or indirectly (via fomites, vehicles, or vectors).

Disease Transmission

  • Disease transmission can occur via direct contact (e.g., touching), indirect contact (e.g., fomites), or through vehicles (e.g., contaminated water).
  • Approximately 85% of illnesses are transmitted via these three methods.
  • Disease transmission can also occur through vector interactions, such as mosquitoes, or ticks. Vectors are living things that transmit microbes from one host to another, thereby distributing the diseases.

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