Questions and Answers
What is microbiology?
Study of living things too small to be seen without magnification
What are microorganisms also commonly called?
List the types of microorganisms.
Bacteria, Fungi, Protozoa, Helminths, Archaea, Algae, Viruses
What are the main fields of study in microbiology?
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What defines eukaryotic cells?
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What characterizes a prokaryotic cell?
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Robert Hooke was the first to observe 'small chambers' in cork and call them ______.
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Who invented the microscope?
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What is Pasteurization?
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Koch's postulates are used to verify germ theory.
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What is antibiotic resistance?
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Match the following types of media with their descriptions:
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What is the general composition of macromolecules?
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What is the function of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)?
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What does the binomial system of nomenclature encompass?
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What is scanning electron microscopy used for?
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Which of the following are included in bacterial cell structures? (Select all that apply)
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The shape of bacteria known as a 'coccus' is a ______.
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What are the arrangements of cocci caused by?
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What is glycocalyx?
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What are the bacterial appendages called?
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What does the cell envelope include? (Select all that apply)
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What are the internal structures of a bacterial cell?
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What is the function of the capsule in prokaryotes?
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What is the slime layer?
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What is the purpose of flagella in bacteria?
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Which of the following describes flagellar arrangements? (Select all that apply)
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What allows bacteria to move towards favorable products?
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What powers the flagellar engine?
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What are fimbriae?
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What are pili used for in bacteria?
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What are periplasmic flagella?
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What is the S layer in bacteria?
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How does glycocalyx vary among bacteria?
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What do biofilms consist of?
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Study Notes
Microbiology Overview
- Microbiology is the study of living organisms that are too small to be seen without magnification, including various microorganisms.
- Microorganisms, or microbes, are often referred to as germs or viruses; many play beneficial roles in human life.
Types of Microorganisms
- Major groups include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, helminths, archaea, algae, and viruses.
- Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can cause human infections and diseases.
Fields of Study in Microbiology
- Parasitology focuses on worms and protozoa.
- Mycology is the study of fungi and yeast.
- Bacteriology pertains to bacteria.
- Virology deals with viruses.
Cellular Structures
- Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
- Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, characterized by simpler, less complex structures.
Characteristics of Prokaryotes
- Prokaryotes possess 70s ribosomes and divide via binary fission.
- They have unique cell wall structures and typically measure in micrometers.
Virus Specifics
- Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites classified by their structure, nucleic acid content, and specific host organisms.
- They generally measure around 100 nm in size.
Pathogens
- Pathogens are defined as microbes that cause disease.
Key Figures in Microbiology
- Robert Hooke: First observed cells in cork.
- Anton van Leeuwenhoek: Invented the microscope and examined protozoans.
- Louis Pasteur: Developed pasteurization and proposed the Germ Theory of Disease.
- Robert Koch: Established Koch's postulates to link specific microbes with specific diseases.
- Edward Jenner: Created the first vaccine for smallpox.
- Joseph Lister: Implemented disinfectants and antiseptics in surgery.
- Paul Ehrlich: Developed antibiotics.
- Alexander Fleming: Discovered penicillin, effective against Gram-positive bacteria.
Antibiotic Resistance
- Penicillin was first identified and mass-produced in the 1940s, with the first reported cases of resistance observed soon after.
Macromolecules in Microbiology
- Macromolecules include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, vital for microbial structure and function.
Taxonomy and Classification
- Organisms are classified into levels: life > domain > kingdom > phylum > class > order > family > genus > species.
- Binomial nomenclature uses genus and species names, where the genus is capitalized and species is lowercase.
Culture Techniques
- Five key culture techniques: inoculation, incubation, isolation, inspection, identification.
- Media types include physical forms (liquid, solid), chemical compositions (defined, complex), and functional types (selective, differential).
Isolation Techniques
- Methods include streak plate, loop dilution, and spread plate to achieve isolation on growth media.
Microscopy Techniques
- Light microscopy is limited to resolving details of about 0.2 micrometers.
- Advanced methods like fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy provide higher resolution and detail for studying microorganisms.
Bacterial Cell Structures
- Common features: cell membrane, ribosomes, cytoplasm, nucleoid.
- Some bacteria have specialized structures: flagella for locomotion, a glycocalyx for protection, and plasmids for genetic diversity.
Bacterial Shapes and Arrangements
- Bacterial shapes: coccus (sphere), bacillus (rod), vibrio (curved rod), spirillum (spiral).
- Arrangement of cocci can differ depending on division plane: chains, packets, and clusters.
Bacterial Appendages
- Flagella aid in movement, driven by proton motive force.
- Fimbriae and pili enable adherence and genetic exchange between bacteria.
Staining Techniques
- Staining methods enhance visibility: positive/negative staining displays the cell's outline, simple stains reveal basic shape, differential stains identify cell types.
Gram Staining
- Gram-positive bacteria stain purple, while Gram-negative bacteria stain red, aiding in identification.
Endospore and Acid-Fast Staining
- Endospore staining distinguishes resistant spores, while acid-fast staining differentiates Mycobacterium.
Microscopic Size of Microorganisms
- Viruses range from 20 to 800 nm; bacteria are about 0.2 to 2 micrometers; protozoa and algae measure several millimeters.
Importance of Inspections
- Inspection through biochemical testing and staining aids in identifying microbial species from cultures.
Functional Structure of Bacterial Cells
- The presence of the S-layer provides protective features, while the cell envelope comprises the cell wall and membranes, central to bacterial integrity.
These notes encapsulate essential concepts in microbiology relevant for nursing studies, reflecting key definitions and discoveries pivotal to the field.### S-Layers
- Thickness ranges from 5 to 25 nm.
- Formed exclusively under stress conditions, making them challenging to observe in laboratory environments.
Glycocalyx
- Composed of repeating acidic polysaccharide units, proteins, or both.
- Variation in thickness, organization, and chemical composition among different bacterial species.
- Functions include:
- Attachment to surfaces.
- Protection against drying (desiccation), phagocytosis, bacterial viruses, and certain toxins.
- Resistant to detergents and antimicrobial peptides.
Slime Layer
- Functions as a loose protective shield for some bacteria, aiding in the retention of water and nutrients.
- Key roles include:
- Attachment to surfaces.
- Promotion of microcolony formation from a single cell.
- Contribution to biofilm formation with mixed bacterial populations.
- Protection against phagocytosis and antibiotic effects.
Biofilms
- Composed of mixed communities of bacteria and other microbes.
- Attached both to surfaces and to one another, forming a multilayered structure.
- Contains a mix of cells embedded in intracellular material, enhancing community resilience.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of microbiology with these flashcards focused on microorganisms and their classifications. Ideal for nursing students preparing for Exam 1, this quiz covers key terms and concepts essential for understanding the microscopic world.
