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Questions and Answers
What is the main characteristic that distinguishes bacteria from other cells?
What is the primary reason why viruses are not considered living cells?
What is the study of the interactions between microorganisms and their environment?
What is the primary way that fungi obtain nutrients?
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What is the term for the ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of antibiotics?
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What is the class of antibiotics that includes penicillin?
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What is the main component of the cell wall of bacteria?
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What is the primary way that viruses replicate?
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Which type of microorganism can be classified as Gram-positive or Gram-negative?
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What is the primary cause of disease?
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What is the function of the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria?
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Which of the following fungi is an example of a mutualistic relationship?
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Study Notes
Microorganisms
Bacteria
- Prokaryotic cells, no true nucleus
- Cell wall composed of peptidoglycan (also known as murein)
- Can be Gram-positive or Gram-negative, based on cell wall composition
- Can be aerobic or anaerobic, depending on oxygen requirements
- Examples: E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis
Viruses
- Not considered living cells, as they require host cells to replicate
- Composed of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat (capsid)
- Can infect all types of living organisms, from bacteria to humans
- Can be classified based on host range, morphology, and genome type
- Examples: influenza virus, HIV, coronavirus
Microbial Ecology
- Study of the interactions between microorganisms and their environment
- Microorganisms play crucial roles in ecosystem processes, such as decomposition and nutrient cycling
- Microbial communities can be found in various environments, including soil, water, and the human body
- Microorganisms can form symbiotic relationships with other organisms, such as mutualism and commensalism
Fungi
- Eukaryotic cells, with true nuclei
- Can be single-celled (yeast) or multi-celled (mold)
- Obtain nutrients by decomposing organic matter or forming symbiotic relationships with other organisms
- Examples: Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast), Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger
Disease
- Microorganisms can cause disease in humans, animals, and plants
- Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can all cause disease
- Disease can be transmitted through various routes, including direct contact, airborne transmission, and contaminated food and water
- Examples of diseases caused by microorganisms: tuberculosis, influenza, candidiasis
Antibiotics
- Substances that inhibit the growth of or kill microorganisms
- Can be naturally produced by microorganisms or synthesized in a laboratory
- Classes of antibiotics include:
- Beta-lactams (e.g., penicillin)
- Aminoglycosides (e.g., streptomycin)
- Macrolides (e.g., erythromycin)
- Tetracyclines (e.g., tetracycline)
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, due to overuse and misuse of antibiotics
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Description
Test your knowledge of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and their roles in disease and ecology. Learn about microbial interactions, antibiotic resistance, and more.
