Fundamentals of Microbiology Flashcards
How can prokaryotes be distinguished and name the different types of prokaryotes
Methods of metabolism.
Inorganic carbon - autotrophs
organic carbon - heterotrophs
light energy - phototrophs
chemical energy - chemotrophs
inorganic electron donor - lithotrophs
organic electron donor - organotrophs
what is the purpose of pilli
allows transfer of genetic material through plasmids, which in turn allows for genetic modification of bacteria and is key to developing resistance to antibiotics. Also used for adhesion to surfaces
What is the purpose of endospores
Covers the cell membrane so as to provide resistance to heat, radiation and dessication
What is the purpose of extra cellular polymers
nutrient uptake as well as aid against desiccation and bacteriophages
What are the two stages of metabolism
catabolism - energy and anabolism - synthesis
What are the steps of catabolism
glycolysis - utilisation of glucose. Enzymes break down glucose into pyruvate by transferring the phosphate to glucose from ATP to form ADP (adenosine tri/di phosphate). The reverse happens as ADP becomes ATP again but overall more ATP is formed. If oxygen is available, the pyruvate can be broken down into even more ATP, releasing CO2. NADH is also formed but that is recycled
what are the four steps of microbial growth
1) little to no growth as microbes acclimate to new energy and carbon source
2) rapid growth as microbes consume the carbon source
3) Slow/no growth as carbon source runs out and internal sources are utillised
4) decline as no sources or introduction of toxic chemicals
what are facultative aerobes
Organisms that grow better in oxygen but don’t require it
What are obligate aerobes
organisms that require oxygen
what are obligate anaerobes
organisms that cannot survive in oxygen
Give the three types of temperature dependent microbes
Give the three types of pH dependent microbes
psychrophile, mesophile, thermophile
acidophile, neutrophile, alkaliphile
Why is the kinetic energy of water typically lower inside cells
Ions and solutes hinder the flow water molecules
what is osmosis in terms of kinetic energy
Water with higher kinetic energy move towards water with lower kinetic energy
