3GenMicr Classification of Microorganisms

Question 1

What are the two major types of classifications of microorganisms?

Answer 1

Artificial classification and Natural classification

Artificial classification is based on expressed characteristics, while natural classification is based on evolutionary relationships.

Question 2

What are the 7 kingdoms of living organisms?

Answer 2

• Bacteria
• Archaea
• Protozoa
• Chromista
• Plantae
• Fungi
• Animalia

These kingdoms represent the broad categories of life forms based on evolutionary relationships.

Question 3

What is the defining characteristic of eukaryotic cells?

Answer 3

Contain a distinct nucleus and membrane-bound organelles

Eukaryotes are typically larger and more complex than prokaryotes.

Question 4

What type of nutrition do fungi utilize?

Answer 4

Chemoheterotrophic

Fungi obtain their nutrients by breaking down organic matter.

Question 5

What is the life cycle of a fungus typically initiated by?

Answer 5

The release of spores

Spores germinate and grow into hyphae, which form a mycelium.

Question 6

What are Chytridiomycota?

Answer 6

A primitive phylum of fungi that can live in water and produce gametes with flagella

Common species include Chytrid Fungi.

Question 7

What distinguishes Zygomycota from other fungi?

Answer 7

Forms a zygote contained in a zygospore

Common species include Rhizopus and Mucor.

Question 8

What is the main reproductive structure of Ascomycota?

Answer 8

Ascus

Spores are stored in a sac called an ascus.

Question 9

What is a common characteristic of Basidiomycota?

Answer 9

Form symbiotic relationships with the roots of trees

Common species include Mycorrhizal Fungi.

Question 10

List some beneficial roles of fungi.

Answer 10

• Decomposition
• Symbiosis with plants
• Source of food
• Medicine
• Biotechnology
• Industrial uses
• Ecological indicators

Fungi play critical roles in ecosystems and human industries.

Question 11

What are algae classified as based on their ability to produce food?

Answer 11

Autotrophic

Algae can perform photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

Question 12

What are the main characteristics of Chlorophyta?

Answer 12

• Unicellular, filamentous, colonial
• Contains chlorophyll b
• Cell walls made of cellulose and pectin
• Mostly non-motile
• Reproduction: asexual and sexual

Examples include Chlorella and Ulva.

Question 13

What pigments are primarily found in Phaeophyta?

Answer 13

Xanthophylls (flucoxanthin)

Brown algae includes seaweeds and giant kelps.

Question 14

What is the primary pigment found in Rhodophyta?

Answer 14

Phycobilins

Red algae are characterized by their unique pigments.

Question 15

What defines Pyrrophyta?

Answer 15

Unicellular organisms with unequal lateral flagella

Dinoflagellates are a common example.

Question 16

Describe the morphology of Euglenophyta.

Answer 16

Unicellular with 1 to 3 anterior flagella

Examples include Euglena gracilis.

Question 17

What are the main characteristics of Chrysophyta?

Answer 17

• Unicellular, filamentous, colonial
• Contain carotenes
• Cell walls often impregnated with silica or calcium
• Asexual and sexual reproduction

Diatoms are a significant group within this category.

Question 18

What is the defining feature of protozoa?

Answer 18

Single-celled organisms that lack a cell wall

They are heterotrophic and motile.

Question 19

What are Mastigophora commonly known as?

Answer 19

Flagellates

They typically have 2 or more flagella.

Question 20

What is the disease associated with Sarcodina?

Answer 20

Amoebic dysentery (amoebiasis)

Representative organism is Entamoeba.

Question 21

What are the characteristics of Ciliophora?

Answer 21

Cilia arranged in precise rows and move in unison

Representative organism is Paramecium.

Question 22

What are the defining features of Sporozoa?

Answer 22

Non-motile in mature forms and obligate intracellular parasites

Representative organisms include Toxoplasma and Plasmodium.

Question 23

What is the key characteristic of Microspora?

Answer 23

No microtubules and mitochondria; obligate intracellular parasites

Representative organism is Nosema.

Question 24

What do prokaryotic cells lack?

Answer 24

A true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles

They are unicellular and among the smallest life forms.

Question 25

What is the cell wall of bacteria primarily made of?

Answer 25

Peptidoglycan ## Footnote This structure provides rigidity and protection.

Question 26

What is the primary method of reproduction in bacteria?

Answer 26

Asexual reproduction through binary fission ## Footnote This process allows rapid population growth.

Question 27

List some beneficial roles of bacteria.

Answer 27

* Digestion * Immunity * Synthesis of vitamins * Food production * Bioremediation * Antibiotics * Agriculture ## Footnote Bacteria play essential roles in health and industry.

Question 28

What are the unique characteristics of Archaea?

Answer 28

* Unicellular and prokaryotic * Unique lipids in cell walls and membranes * Extremophiles adapted to extreme environments ## Footnote They can survive in high temperatures, salinity, and acidity.

Question 29

What roles do Archaea play in the environment?

Answer 29

* Involved in nitrogen and sulfur cycles * Primary producers in extreme environments * Bioremediation ## Footnote Their unique metabolic pathways make them significant in various ecological processes.

Question 30

What defines viruses as infectious agents?

Answer 30

Cannot replicate outside living cells and do not respond to antibiotics ## Footnote They are significantly smaller than bacteria.

Question 31

What are the components of a virus?

Answer 31

* Genetic material (DNA or RNA) * Capsid * Envelope (if present) * Spike proteins (if present) ## Footnote These components are essential for the virus's ability to infect host cells.