Microbiology Study Guide

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Questions and Answers

Which category of microorganisms is NOT classified as prokaryotic?

  • Bacteria
  • Archaea
  • Fungi (correct)
  • Blue-green algae

Which type of microbe is known for its ability to survive in extremely salty or high temperature environments?

  • Archaea (correct)
  • Fungi
  • Bacteria
  • Viruses

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of viruses?

  • They consist of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat.
  • They can reproduce independently. (correct)
  • They are non-cellular.
  • They are visible only through electron microscopy.

What is the term used for the metabolically active, growing phase of bacteria, which can potentially cause infection?

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

Prions are unique infectious agents because they lack:

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

Which branch of microbiology focuses on the study and control of disease-causing microorganisms in populations?

<p>Public health microbiology and epidemiology (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of how microbes are involved in our lives?

<p>Formation of clouds in the atmosphere (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of algae within an ecosystem?

<p>Production of oxygen through photosynthesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of prokaryotic organisms?

<p>They contain organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process allows some bacteria to survive harsh environmental conditions by forming a resistant, non-growing structure?

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

What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus?

<p>Packaging and shipping cellular products (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of inflammation?

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

Which type of cell is responsible for producing antibodies?

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

What is the main difference between nonspecific and specific defense mechanisms against infection?

<p>Nonspecific mechanisms provide a rapid response, while specific mechanisms take longer to develop. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of phagocyte involved in the nonspecific defense mechanism?

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

What is the role of interferons in nonspecific defense?

<p>Protecting uninfected cells from viral infection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of immunity is primarily responsible for protecting against viral infections?

<p>Cell-mediated immunity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle is responsible for converting light energy into chemical energy?

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

What is the significance of memory cells in both T-cell and B-cell immunity?

<p>Memory cells help to accelerate the immune response upon a second encounter with the same antigen. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of cilia in the respiratory tract?

<p>Transport substances across the cell surface (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of flora remain for a few hours, days, or months before disappearing?

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

Which mode of transmission involves the transfer of pathogens through nonliving objects?

<p>Indirect contact transmission (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes droplet transmission?

<p>Pathogens are transmitted through respiratory droplets within less than a meter (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gastrointestinal disease is NOT associated with water-borne transmission?

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

What are biological vectors responsible for?

<p>Biting and transmitting pathogens (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does applied microbiology play in agriculture?

<p>Manufacturing of fertilizers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of bodily fluid transmission?

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

Which of these methods is NOT a mode of transmission for infectious agents?

<p>Direct airflow transmission (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these products are made possible through applied microbiology?

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

What is a common characteristic of opportunistic pathogens?

<p>Become harmful when the balance of normal flora is disrupted (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Microbiology

The study of organisms too small to see without a microscope.

Microorganisms

Tiny organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and more.

Immunology

The study of the immune system and its response to pathogens.

Prokaryotes

Unicellular organisms without a nucleus, like bacteria and archaea.

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Eukaryotes

Organisms that have a mature nucleus, including fungi and protozoa.

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Taxonomy

The science of naming and classifying organisms into groups.

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Viruses

Noncellular agents made of nucleic acid and a protein coat.

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Sporulation

Process by which bacteria form spores to survive unfavorable conditions.

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Bioremediation

Using microbes to clean up environmental pollutants.

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Prions

Infectious proteins that lack nucleic acids, affecting normal proteins.

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Germination

When spores change to vegetative form due to improved conditions.

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Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell; produces ATP for energy.

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Ribosomes

Granules that synthesize proteins, found freely or on ER.

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Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Network for lipid and protein synthesis; has smooth and rough types.

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Golgi Apparatus

Packaging and shipping center of the cell, connected to ER.

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Lysosomes

Sacs containing enzymes that digest waste and harmful particles.

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Phagocytosis

Process in which cells engulf pathogens; involves neutrophils and macrophages.

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Inflammation

Nonspecific response to injury or infection with signs like redness and swelling.

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Cell-mediated Immunity

Immunity produced by T-cells against viruses and fungi.

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Antibody-mediated Immunity

Immunity produced by B-cells primarily against bacteria.

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Transient Flora

Microorganisms that remain for a short time before disappearing.

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Opportunistic Pathogens

Normal flora that become harmful when balance is disrupted.

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Contact Transmission

Spread of pathogens through direct or indirect contact.

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Droplet Transmission

Infectious agents spread via respiratory droplets over short distances.

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Airborne Transmission

Pathogens spread through the air over distances greater than one meter.

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Water-borne Transmission

Infection spread through untreated water sources and contaminated food.

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Bodily Fluid Transmission

Spread of pathogens through blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids.

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Vector Transmission

Pathogens spread by animals, especially insects.

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Biological Vectors

Living organisms, like insects, that actively transmit pathogens.

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Pharmaceutical Agents

Microbes used to create medicines, such as penicillin.

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Study Notes

Microbiology

  • Study of organisms too small to see without magnification
  • Originated with the invention of the microscope
  • Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, helminths (worms), algae, and prions

Branches of Study

  • Immunology
  • Public health microbiology and epidemiology
  • Food, dairy, and aquatic microbiology
  • Biotechnology
  • Genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology
  • Manipulating genes

Microbes and their Roles

  • Nutrient production and energy flow
  • Decomposition
  • Biotechnology (food, drugs, vaccines)
  • Genetic engineering
  • Bioremediation
  • Infectious disease

Classification of Microorganisms (Protists)

I. Cellular

  • Prokaryotes: No nucleus or primitive nucleus (pro=before, karyon=nucleus)
    • Examples: Archaea, bacteria, blue-green algae
  • Eukaryotes: Mature nucleus
    • Examples: Algae (other than blue-green), fungi, and protozoans

II. Non-Cellular

  • Viruses, viroids, prions

Taxonomy

  • Formal system for organizing, classifying, and naming living organisms

  • Bacteria: Prokaryotic, unicellular organisms

  • Archaea: Prokaryotic, unicellular organisms living in extreme environments (high salt, extreme temperatures)

  • Algae: Eukaryotic organisms, performing photosynthesis

  • Fungi: Eukaryotic, unicellular or multicellular organisms

  • Protozoa: Eukaryotic, unicellular or multicellular organisms

  • Viruses: Noncellular, observed only through electron microscopy; consist of NA surrounded by a protein coat

  • Viroids: Noncellular, plant pathogens consisting of RNA

  • Virusoids: Noncellular, plant pathogens, including one that infects humans (HDV)

  • Prions: Noncellular, normal animal proteins that become infectious (lack NA)

Bacterial Life Cycle

  • Vegetative Form: Metabolically active, growing, and multiplying, capable of causing infections.
  • Spore Form: Inert, resting, non-growing, and non-multiplying, highly resistant; forms in unfavorable environments.

Cytoplasmic Organelles

  • Mitochondria: Long, fluid-filled sacs (power sites) containing ATP
  • Ribosomes: Small granules of RNA (protein synthesis)
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
    • Smooth ER: Lipid synthesis
    • Rough ER: Protein synthesis
  • Golgi Apparatus: Flat sacs, connected to ER, involved in packaging.
  • Lysosomes: Sacs containing digestive enzymes
  • Centrioles: Rod-shaped structures involved in cell division
  • Cilia: Short, numerous hair-like projections, used for movement
  • Flagella: Long, few structures used for movement
  • Chloroplasts: In algae and plant cells, convert solar energy into chemical energy (photosynthesis)

Defense Mechanisms Against Infection

  • Nonspecific mechanisms: Act against all harmful agents, providing nonspecific resistance
  • Specific mechanisms: Act against certain agents, providing specific resistance (immunity)

Modes of Transmission

  • Contact transmission: Direct physical contact or indirect contact via fomites (nonliving objects)
  • Droplet transmission: Respiratory droplets traveling less than 1 meter
  • Airborne transmission: Organism travels more than 1 meter
  • Waterborne & Foodborne transmission: Through water or contaminated food
  • Bodily fluid transmission: Through blood, urine, saliva, etc.
  • Vector transmission: Animals, especially arthropods, carrying the pathogen

Applied Microbiology

  • Food production (e.g., yogurt, bread, alcoholic beverages)
  • Water treatment
  • Pharmaceutical agents (e.g., penicillin)
  • Agriculture (e.g., fertilizers)
  • Bioremediation (e.g., petroleum)
  • Forensics (e.g., medicine, criminal justice, bioterrorism)
  • Energy (e.g., ethanol, methane)

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