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Which of the following is NOT a type of microorganism?
Which of the following is NOT a type of microorganism?
All microorganisms are unicellular.
All microorganisms are unicellular.
False (B)
What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?
What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?
Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus.
The study of microorganisms is called ______.
The study of microorganisms is called ______.
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Match the following microorganisms with their characteristic cell wall component:
Match the following microorganisms with their characteristic cell wall component:
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Which of these microorganisms is NOT considered a living organism?
Which of these microorganisms is NOT considered a living organism?
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Microorganisms can be beneficial to human health.
Microorganisms can be beneficial to human health.
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Besides causing diseases, what are some benefits of microorganisms?
Besides causing diseases, what are some benefits of microorganisms?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic shared by prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic shared by prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
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Protozoa are multicellular organisms that obtain nourishment through photosynthesis.
Protozoa are multicellular organisms that obtain nourishment through photosynthesis.
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What is the main difference in the organization of DNA between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
What is the main difference in the organization of DNA between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
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Algae, also known as ______ or blue-green algae, are unicellular or multicellular eukaryotes that obtain their nutrition through photosynthesis.
Algae, also known as ______ or blue-green algae, are unicellular or multicellular eukaryotes that obtain their nutrition through photosynthesis.
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Match the following domains of life with their corresponding characteristics:
Match the following domains of life with their corresponding characteristics:
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Which of the following is NOT present in prokaryotic cells?
Which of the following is NOT present in prokaryotic cells?
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Prokaryotes reproduce only through sexual reproduction.
Prokaryotes reproduce only through sexual reproduction.
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What is the primary component of the cell wall in prokaryotic cells?
What is the primary component of the cell wall in prokaryotic cells?
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The ______ is a network of protein fibers that helps maintain cell shape, support, and movement in eukaryotic cells.
The ______ is a network of protein fibers that helps maintain cell shape, support, and movement in eukaryotic cells.
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Match the following cell types with their characteristic structures:
Match the following cell types with their characteristic structures:
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Which of these characteristics is NOT true for prokaryotic cells?
Which of these characteristics is NOT true for prokaryotic cells?
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Eukaryotic cells are always smaller than prokaryotic cells.
Eukaryotic cells are always smaller than prokaryotic cells.
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What is the name for the process by which prokaryotic cells divide?
What is the name for the process by which prokaryotic cells divide?
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Bacteria are classified as ______ because they lack a nucleus.
Bacteria are classified as ______ because they lack a nucleus.
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Match the bacterial shape with its corresponding description:
Match the bacterial shape with its corresponding description:
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Which of these is NOT a common arrangement of bacteria?
Which of these is NOT a common arrangement of bacteria?
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All bacteria are heterotrophs and rely on consuming other organisms for energy.
All bacteria are heterotrophs and rely on consuming other organisms for energy.
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What is the name of the chemical component that makes up the cell wall of bacteria?
What is the name of the chemical component that makes up the cell wall of bacteria?
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Which of the following bacteria is responsible for causing diphtheria?
Which of the following bacteria is responsible for causing diphtheria?
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Streptococcus pneumoniae is a gram-negative bacteria.
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a gram-negative bacteria.
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What is the name of the bacteria that causes gonorrhea?
What is the name of the bacteria that causes gonorrhea?
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The bacteria responsible for causing rat-bite fever is called ______.
The bacteria responsible for causing rat-bite fever is called ______.
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Match the following bacteria with their corresponding diseases:
Match the following bacteria with their corresponding diseases:
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Which of these bacteria is commonly found in the mouth, intestine, and vagina?
Which of these bacteria is commonly found in the mouth, intestine, and vagina?
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Escherichia coli is a gram-negative bacteria.
Escherichia coli is a gram-negative bacteria.
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What type of bacteria is most likely to appear in chains?
What type of bacteria is most likely to appear in chains?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Microbiology
- Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, tiny living organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
- Microorganisms can be single-celled (unicellular) or multicellular, even relatively complex, organisms.
- Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi, protozoa, algae, and multicellular animal parasites (helminths).
- Microorganisms play diverse roles, some are beneficial, such as producing oxygen and decomposing organic matter. Others can cause diseases in plants and humans.
Types of Microorganisms
- Bacteria: Unicellular prokaryotic organisms lacking a nucleus.
- Fungi: Eukaryotic organisms (with a true nucleus). Most fungi are multicellular. Their cell walls are composed of chitin.
- Viruses: Non-cellular entities consisting of a nucleic acid core (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat. They are not considered living organisms.
- Parasites: Eukaryotic organisms, like flatworms and roundworms (helminths). Although not microorganisms by strict definition (they are large enough to be seen with the naked eye), their life cycle often involves microscopic stages.
- Protozoa: Unicellular, aerobic eukaryotes with nuclei and complex organelles. They obtain nutrition by absorption or ingestion.
- Algae (cyanobacteria/blue-green algae): Unicellular or multicellular eukaryotes obtaining nutrients through photosynthesis. They produce oxygen and carbohydrates vital for many ecosystems.
3 Domains of Life
- Organisms are classified into three domains: Bacteria (prokaryotes), Archaea (prokaryotes), and Eukarya (eukaryotes).
Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
- Prokaryotes: Always single-celled, lack a membrane-bound nucleus.
- Eukaryotes: Can be single-celled or multicellular, have a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles.
Characteristics Shared by Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
- Surrounded by a plasma membrane that regulates what enters and exits the cell.
- "Filled" with cytoplasm.
- Contain ribosomes needed for protein synthesis.
- Contain DNA to control cellular activities.
Differences Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
- Nucleus: Prokaryotes lack a nucleus – their DNA is in a region called the nucleoid. Eukaryotes have a nucleus, containing their DNA.
- DNA: Prokaryotes typically have a single, circular chromosome. Eukaryotes have multiple, linear chromosomes.
- Organelles: Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotes have many membrane-bound organelles (e.g., mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus).
- Cytoskeleton: Eukaryotes have a cytoskeleton for structural support and movement. Prokaryotes generally lack this.
- Cell Wall: In some prokaryotes (bacteria), the cell wall contains peptidoglycan. Plant and fungi cells have cell walls, but their structure is different than bacterial cell walls.
- Cell Division: Prokaryotes divide by binary fission. Eukaryotes use mitosis or meiosis.
- Reproduction: Prokaryotic reproduction is asexual. Eukaryotic reproduction can be asexual or sexual.
Bacteria: Classification of Bacteria
- Shape: Bacilli (rod-shaped), cocci (spherical), spirilla (spiral), vibrios (curved).
- Cell Wall: Gram-positive or Gram-negative (distinguishable by Gram staining).
- Energy Acquisition: Autotrophs (produce their own food), or heterotrophs (obtain food from other organisms). Autotrophs using sunlight are photoautotrophs, those using other chemical reactions are chemoautotrophs. Heterotrophs using decaying matter are saprophytes.
- Oxygen Response: Aerobes (require oxygen), anaerobes (cannot tolerate oxygen), facultative anaerobes (can use oxygen or grow without it), aerotolerant anaerobes (can tolerate oxygen but don't use it for growth).
- Microaerophilic bacteria need reduced levels of atmospheric oxygen for optimal growth.
Common Bacteria Shapes and Arrangements
- Cocci (spherical): Diplococci (pairs), Streptococci (chains), Tetrads (groups of four), Sarcinae (groups of eight), Staphylococci (clusters).
- Bacilli (rod-shaped): Coccobacilli (short rod shape), Diplobacilli (pairs), Streptobacilli (chains), Palisades (side by side in a row).
- Spiral (spiral shaped): Vibrios (comma shaped), Spirilla (rigid spirals), Spirochetes (flexible spirals).
Additional Concepts
- Size of Bacteria: Prokaryotes are typically much smaller than eukaryotes. Their small size allows rapid nutrient uptake.
- Gram-positive bacteria: Bacteria that retain the crystal violet stain during the Gram staining process
- Gram-negative bacteria: Bacteria that lose the crystal violet stain during the Gram staining process.
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Description
Test your knowledge on microorganisms, their types, and characteristics with this engaging quiz. Explore the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, the benefits of microorganisms, and much more. Perfect for students studying microbiology or related fields.