Untitled Quiz

Study Notes

Bacteria are classified into three categories: heterotrophs, photosynthetic autotrophs, and chemosynthetic autotrophs.
Heterotrophs are ubiquitous and can be further classified as parasites, living off other organisms, or saprobes/saprophytes, feeding on dead organisms and waste (e.g., Yeast - Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
Photosynthetic autotrophs generate their own food using sunlight, producing ATP. Examples include Rhodobacter and Cyanobacteria (e.g., Anabaena, Oscillatoria).
Chemosynthetic autotrophs derive energy from inorganic substances, crucial for nitrogen fixation, making atmospheric nitrogen usable for plants (e.g., Thermodesulfovibrio yellowstonii).

A capsule composed of polysaccharides protects bacteria from phagocytosis and dehydration.
Gram-negative bacteria possess a lipopolysaccharide layer that protects against lysis and stimulates cytokine release.
Fimbriae or pili aid bacterial adhesion to host cells, facilitating colonization.
Flagella are used for locomotion, helping bacteria access nutrients and penetrate mucus.
Slime, a polysaccharide material, forms biofilms protecting bacteria from immune attacks and antibiotics.
Spores represent a dormant state for survival during adverse conditions, allowing for regrowth when conditions improve.

Bacteria can be classified by shape: rod (bacillus), spheres (coccus), and spirals (spirillum).
Arrangements include single (mono), pairs (diplo), chains (strepto), and grape-like clusters (staphylo).

Fungi are eukaryotes characterized by cell walls, vacuoles, and lack of photosynthetic pigments, differentiating them from plants.
The vegetative body, known as thallus, consists of filaments called hyphae, which can be septate (divided by septa) or aseptate (coenocytic).
Mycelium is the mass of hyphae that can form plectenchyma (tissue-like aggregates) and rhizomorphs (thick strands).

Fungi exhibit apical growth and diverse reproductive mechanisms, including both asexual and sexual reproduction.
Fungal classification includes a binomial nomenclature system for generic and specific names (e.g., Aspergillus niger).

Microbes hold significant roles in public health, industry, and pharmaceuticals.
Viruses can cause diseases such as influenza, measles, and rabies, and emerging viral diseases include Ebola and West Nile encephalitis.
Antiviral drugs inhibit viral replication or modify host immune responses.

Bacteria are linked to diseases like gastroenteritis, syphilis, tetanus, Lyme disease, and plague.
Common antifungal diseases include valley fever, candidiasis, and athlete's foot.
Antibacterial drugs are classified by their mechanisms, targeting bacterial cell walls, enzymes, and protein synthesis.
Antifungal drugs include polyene antifungals and azoles.

Bacteria are utilized in the production of amino acids, vitamins, and organic solvents.
Fungi play a role in fermentation for food products such as beer, wine, and bread, along with wastewater treatment and degradation of complex organic matter.
Bacterial and fungal contributions are critical to biodegradation processes and environmental management, making them essential in addressing pollution and waste treatment.