Microbiology Study Guide

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Download our mobile app to listen on the go
Get App

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.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Eukaryotes

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

Signup and view all the flashcards

Taxonomy

The science of naming and classifying organisms into groups.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Viruses

Noncellular agents made of nucleic acid and a protein coat.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sporulation

Process by which bacteria form spores to survive unfavorable conditions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Bioremediation

Using microbes to clean up environmental pollutants.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Prions

Infectious proteins that lack nucleic acids, affecting normal proteins.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Germination

When spores change to vegetative form due to improved conditions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell; produces ATP for energy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ribosomes

Granules that synthesize proteins, found freely or on ER.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

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

Signup and view all the flashcards

Golgi Apparatus

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

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lysosomes

Sacs containing enzymes that digest waste and harmful particles.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Phagocytosis

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

Signup and view all the flashcards

Inflammation

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

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cell-mediated Immunity

Immunity produced by T-cells against viruses and fungi.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Antibody-mediated Immunity

Immunity produced by B-cells primarily against bacteria.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Transient Flora

Microorganisms that remain for a short time before disappearing.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Opportunistic Pathogens

Normal flora that become harmful when balance is disrupted.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Contact Transmission

Spread of pathogens through direct or indirect contact.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Droplet Transmission

Infectious agents spread via respiratory droplets over short distances.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Airborne Transmission

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

Signup and view all the flashcards

Water-borne Transmission

Infection spread through untreated water sources and contaminated food.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Bodily Fluid Transmission

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

Signup and view all the flashcards

Vector Transmission

Pathogens spread by animals, especially insects.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Biological Vectors

Living organisms, like insects, that actively transmit pathogens.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pharmaceutical Agents

Microbes used to create medicines, such as penicillin.

Signup and view all the flashcards

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)

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Microbiology PDF

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Open
Browser
Browser