Microorganisms and Their Growth Conditions

Nodules house Rhizobium bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.

Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia into nitrites and then into nitrates, making nitrogen available for plant use.

Atmospheric nitrogen is converted to ammonia by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which is then transformed into nitrates by nitrifying bacteria.

<p>Ammonification is the breakdown of nitrogen compounds, like proteins, into ammonia by bacteria and fungi after the death of plants and animals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lightning and combustion create nitrogen oxides that react with rainwater to form nitrates, enriching the soil.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Plants absorb nitrogen primarily in the forms of nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Upon death, nitrogen in organisms is broken down into ammonia, which can then enter the nitrogen cycle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Plants take up nitrates through their roots and incorporate them into proteins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Joseph Lister was the first to eliminate bacteria from the operating theatre using carbolic acid, significantly improving patient survival rates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Microorganisms are found in various environments, including soil, air, water, and even inside other organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Most microorganisms require oxygen (for some), moisture, suitable temperature, darkness (for many), and a suitable food supply to thrive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Bacteria and fungi decompose dead organisms and organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and enhancing its fertility.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aerobic microorganisms require oxygen for respiration, while anaerobic microorganisms do not need oxygen to survive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Bacteria convert lactose in milk to lactic acid, which helps in curd formation by acting on the protein casein.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Photosynthetic microorganisms obtain their energy through the process of photosynthesis, using light to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Yeast converts sugar from fruits into alcohol, which is then acted upon by bacteria to form vinegar.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Algae are used as thickeners in foods like salad dressings and as stabilizers to keep ice cream smooth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Saprophytes include most fungi and some bacteria, and they decompose dead organisms to recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Antibiotics kill or stop the growth of microorganisms, helping to treat infections without harming body tissues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parasites are microorganisms that obtain food from the tissues of their host organisms, often harming the host in the process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Antibodies are proteins produced by the body that specifically target and destroy antigens, or harmful microbes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Refrigeration slows down the growth and multiplication of microbes by lowering the temperature. However, it does not kill them, so food should be consumed or properly stored.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pasteurization works by heating liquids like milk to high temperatures and quickly cooling them down to kill most bacteria. This method preserves the flavor while enhancing food safety.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Anti-typhoid inoculation is a preventive measure against typhoid fever.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Food preservation is the processing of food to prevent spoilage and retain its nutritive value for extended periods. It is important as it reduces food wastage, increases storage period, facilitates transportation, and allows us to store food for off-seasons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Specific antibodies ensure that the immune system effectively targets only the antigen without harming other cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Penicillin is secreted by fungi and is used as an antibiotic to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Antibiotics can treat a range of conditions, from minor infections to serious, life-threatening diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sugar preserves fruits by creating a hypertonic environment that removes water from the cells, preventing microbial growth. This process is commonly used in jams and jellies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Canning involves sealing food and drink in airtight containers to preserve them. This method prevents the growth of microbes and extends the shelf life of the food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sun drying removes moisture from fruits and vegetables using sunlight, creating dry conditions that inhibit microbial growth. This method enhances the storage life of foods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The main signs of gastroenteritis are diarrhoea and vomiting, primarily spread through contaminated food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The bacterium responsible for cholera is Vibrio cholerae, and it is primarily spread through contaminated water or food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The ideal conditions for microorganisms include adequate oxygen, moisture, moderate temperatures (25-38 °C), darkness, and a suitable food supply.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates in the soil back into nitrogen gas, thus releasing it into the atmosphere. This process is essential for maintaining the nitrogen balance in the ecosystem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mosquitoes are the primary carriers of microbes that can lead to diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Poliomyelitis is transmitted through human faeces, and one of its symptoms is fever.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A symptom of tuberculosis is a persistent cough, and it spreads through droplet infection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The common symptom associated with ringworm is itchy ring-shaped patches, and it spreads from pets or infected bedding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The common cold typically spreads through droplet infection, and its symptoms include fever, headache, and runny nose.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Malaria is caused by the protozoa Plasmodium and is commonly transmitted through infected mosquitoes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cholera is one such disease, and its preventive measure includes vaccination.</p> Signup and view all the answers