Microbiology Exam 1 Review

Questions and Answers

What defines a prokaryote?

Cell type characterized by a complex structure

Cell type that can undergo photosynthesis

Cell type with membrane-bound organelles

Cell type without a membrane-bound nucleus (correct)

Which definition best describes taxonomy?

A standardized system to name and classify organisms based on morphology and physiology (correct)

The process of converting organic matter into energy

A system to classify organisms based on genetics

The study of living organisms

Who is credited with developing the system of taxonomy?

Carolus Linnaeus (correct)

Albert Einstein

Louis Pasteur

Antoni van Leeuwenhoek

What is biogenesis?

All living things come from other living things Signup and view all the answers

What microorganism causes cholera?

Vibrio cholerae Signup and view all the answers

What does fermentation refer to?

The conversion of sugar to alcohol or waste products Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes germ theory?

It posits that microorganisms are responsible for disease Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about Antoni van Leeuwenhoek's contributions?

He documented microorganisms and shared his findings Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the genus from the specific epithet in biological nomenclature?

Genus is always capitalized, while the specific epithet is always lowercase. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the domain Archaea?

Cellular prokaryotes, diverse in metabolism and habitat. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion did Louis Pasteur reach using his swan-neck flask experiment?

Microbes do not arise spontaneously and are present in the air. Signup and view all the answers

What key concept did Aristotle contribute to the understanding of life's origins?

Life arises from non-living matter. Signup and view all the answers

How did Francesco Redi challenge the idea of spontaneous generation?

By using unsealed, sealed, and gauzed flasks with meat. Signup and view all the answers

What was John Turberville Needham's conclusion based on his experiments?

Spontaneous generation of microbes occurs. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of viruses disqualifies them from being part of the 3 Domains of life?

They are acellular and not considered alive. Signup and view all the answers

What were the main issues addressed during the Golden Age of Microbiology?

The causes of fermentation, disease, and how to prevent infection. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Outbreaks

Anthrax: Caused by Bacillus anthracis.
Cholera: Caused by Vibrio cholerae.

Definitions

Microbiology: Study of microorganisms, organisms invisible to the naked eye.
Microorganisms (microbes): Organisms that require a microscope for observation.
Taxonomy: System for naming and classifying organisms based on morphology and physiology.
Prokaryote: Organism without a membrane-bound nucleus (e.g., bacteria).
Eukaryote: Organism with a nucleus (e.g., plants, animals, fungi, protists).
Spontaneous Generation (abiogenesis): Concept of life arising from non-living matter.
Biogenesis: Theory that all living things arise from other living things.
Hypothesis: An educated guess.
Theory: Well-supported explanations based on scientific evidence.
Morphology: Study of organisms’ structure and appearance.
Etiology: Investigation of disease causes.
Germ theory: Concept that microorganisms cause diseases.
Pathogen: Specific microbes that lead to diseases.
Fermentation: Process where sugar is converted to alcohol or other byproducts.
Pasteurization: Method of heating to kill most bacteria before yeast addition.
Bioremediation: Use of microbes to clean environmental pollutants.
Chemotherapy: Use of chemicals for disease treatment, discovering "magic bullets."

Key Figures in Microbiology

Antoni van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723)
- Dutch merchant known for pioneering microscopy.
- First to observe living microbes including prokaryotes, fungi, protozoa, algae, and small animals.
Carolus Linnaeus (1707-1778)
- Developed a systematic nomenclature for organisms.
- Taxonomy: Naming and classifying organisms based on morphology and physiology.

Writing Organism Names

Genus: Always capitalized.
Specific epithet: Always lowercase.
Typing: Italics.
Handwritten: Underlined.

Three Domains of Life

Bacteria: Prokaryotic cells without a membrane-bound nucleus.
Archaea: Prokaryotic, metabolically diverse, inhabiting extreme environments.
Eukarya: Eukaryotic cells with a nucleus (e.g., plants, animals, fungi, protists).
Viruses: Acellular entities not part of the three domains, lacking cellular structure.

Golden Age of Microbiology Questions

Possibility of spontaneous generation of microbial life?
What causes fermentation?
What are the causes of diseases?
Methods to prevent infection or disease?

Spontaneous Generation Debate Contributors

Aristotle: Proposed spontaneous generation in 384-322 BC.
Francesco Redi: Challenged spontaneous generation in the 1600s with a meat experiment; concluded flies came from other flies.
John Turberville Needham: Supported spontaneous generation in the 1740s through a broth experiment; saw microbial growth in inadequately sealed flasks.
Lazzaro Spallanzani: Disproved spontaneous generation in 1799; demonstrated no microbial growth in properly sealed flasks.
Louis Pasteur: Conclusively disproved spontaneous generation in the 1860s using swan-neck flasks; demonstrated that life arises from pre-existing life, cementing the theory of biogenesis.

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Description

Prepare for your Microbiology Exam with this review of Chapters 1-3, focusing on the history, overview, and significant outbreaks like Anthrax and Cholera. Test your understanding of definitions related to microbiology and the classification of microorganisms.