RN 106: Classification of Pathogens

Questions and Answers

Label the parts of the bacterium.

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Match the characteristics of bacteria with the terms.

Cocci = Spherical forms Bacilli = Rod shapes Strepto = Grow in chains Staphylo = Grow in grapelike clusters

Which is an accurate statement regarding Gram staining of bacteria?

The response to the Gram stain is a function of cell wall thickness and structure.

Which are accurate statements regarding endotoxins and exotoxins? (Select all that apply)

Exotoxins stimulate an antibody reaction that can be used to create antitoxins. Signup and view all the answers

Which are the characteristic features of viruses? (Select all that apply)

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites. Signup and view all the answers

Match the description of viral shapes with the types of viruses.

Helical = Spiral-shaped Enveloped = Covered with parts of host cell's wall Icosahedral = Nearly spherical, multi-sided Complex viruses = Contain features of several different shapes of viruses Signup and view all the answers

Which statements are true regarding the nuclear content of viruses? (Select all that apply)

Human papillomavirus is a DNA virus. Signup and view all the answers

Which is an accurate statement about protozoa?

Protozoa have a cellular membrane but no cell wall. Because they have no cell wall, they require a moist environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which diseases are considered protozoal infections? (Select all that apply)

Toxoplasmosis Signup and view all the answers

Which statements are true regarding Entamoeba histolytica infections? (Select all that apply)

The trophozoites are the actively pathogenic form of the disease. Signup and view all the answers

Which statements about helminths are correct? (Select all that apply)

The life cycle of typical helminths includes the ovum, larva, and adult. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes a characteristic of tapeworms?

Tapeworms have a scolex and proglottids. Signup and view all the answers

Which statements are correct regarding nematodes?

Some nematodes are parasitic and can be pathogenic. They are the most numerous multicellular organisms on earth. The life cycle of nematodes can include the intestine and the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

Which are characteristics of fungi? (Select all that apply)

Fungi promote the breakdown of dead vegetation. Signup and view all the answers

Match the description with the growth form of fungi.

Yeast = Usually single cells that reproduce by budding Molds = Rapidly growing with hyphae Mushrooms = Spore-bearing fruiting body Signup and view all the answers

In a mushroom, such as Amanita phalloids, where are the spores located?

In the gills under the mushroom cap. Signup and view all the answers

Which are accurate statements about peptidoglycan? (Select all that apply)

The peptidoglycan layer is thicker in Gram-positive bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

Which factors influence the rate of binary fission? (Select all that apply)

Amount of oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Match the appropriate term with the description of a bacterial species.

Paired cocci that grow in oxygen = Facultative staphylococci Cocci in chains that die in oxygen = Aerobic spirochetes Clumped cocci that can live in low oxygen = Aerobic diplococci Spiral-shaped organisms that require oxygen = Anaerobic streptococci Signup and view all the answers

Which types of damage can a virus cause on its host cell? (Select all that apply)

Viruses can replicate rapidly, causing the cell to rupture. Signup and view all the answers

In which ways are Chlamydiae and Rickettsiae more like viruses than bacteria? (Select all that apply)

They lack a cell wall. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification of Pathogens

Bacteria can be classified based on shape:
- Cocci are spherical
- Bacilli are rod-shaped
- Streptococci grow in chains
- Staphylococci grow in grape-like clusters
The Gram staining process distinguishes bacteria based on cell wall characteristics, particularly thickness.
Endotoxins are associated with Gram-negative bacteria, while exotoxins, produced inside cells, can stimulate antibody reactions for antitoxin development.
Viruses are classified as obligate intracellular parasites, relying on host cells for reproduction and growth.
Viral shapes include:
- Helical: Spiral-shaped
- Enveloped: Surrounded by host cell wall material
- Icosahedral: Nearly spherical with multiple sides
- Complex: Features of various viral shapes
Viral nuclear content examples include:
- HIV and Influenza A: RNA viruses
- Human papillomavirus: DNA virus
Protozoa possess a cellular membrane without a cell wall, necessitating a moist environment for survival.
Diseases classified as protozoal infections include malaria, giardiasis, toxoplasmosis, and trichomonas vaginitis.
Entamoeba histolytica is responsible for amoebic dysentery; trophozoites are the pathogenic form, capable of invading blood vessels and other organs.
Helminths, or worms, may lack digestive systems; their life cycles typically include ovum, larva, and adult stages. Transmission can occur via fecal-oral routes, skin contact, or insect bites.
Tapeworms are characterized by their scolex (head) and proglottids (body segments).
Some nematodes are parasitic and pathogenic, being the most numerous multicellular organisms on earth; their life cycles may involve both intestines and lungs.
Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and are vital for decomposing dead vegetation, spreading via spores.
Fungal growth forms are categorized as:
- Yeast: Single cells reproducing by budding
- Molds: Rapidly growing structures with hyphae
- Mushrooms: Spore-bearing fruiting bodies
In mushrooms like Amanita phalloids, spores are found within the gills underneath the cap.
Peptidoglycan contributes to the structural integrity of bacterial cell walls, with a thicker layer present in Gram-positive bacteria, located outside the cell membrane.
The rate of bacterial binary fission can be influenced by the availability of oxygen, nutrients, and accumulated bacterial waste products.
Bacterial species can be distinguished:
- Paired cocci growing in oxygen: Facultative staphylococci
- Cocci in chains intolerant to oxygen: Aerobic spirochetes
- Clumped cocci surviving in low oxygen: Aerobic diplococci
- Spiral organisms requiring oxygen: Anaerobic streptococci
Viruses inflict damage on host cells by:
- Rapid replication leading to cell rupture
- Inducing abnormal growth, potentially resulting in cancer
- Remaining dormant with minimal immediate damage
Chlamydiae and Rickettsiae share characteristics with viruses rather than bacteria, including dependence on host cells for replication.

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Test your knowledge on the classification of pathogens in this RN 106 quiz. You will label parts of bacteria and match their characteristics, along with understanding Gram staining. Perfect for nursing students looking to solidify their understanding of microbiology.