Chapter 1

Question 1

What is microbiology?

Answer 1

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, which are living organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Question 2

What are microorganisms?

Answer 2

Microorganisms are living organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye. They include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, microscopic algae, and viruses.

Question 3

How do microorganisms contribute to maintaining the balance of life in our environment?

Answer 3

Microorganisms play a vital role in our environment by being the basis of food chains, breaking down wastes, recycling chemical elements like nitrogen, performing photosynthesis, and producing various chemical products.

Question 4

What kind of chemcial products can microorganisms produce?

Answer 4

Microorganisms can produce chemical products such as ethanol, acetone, and vitamins.

Question 5

How can microorganisms cause disease?

Answer 5

Some microorganisms, known as pathogenic microbes, can cause diseases in humans and other organisms.

Question 6

How does the microbiome contribute to maintaining good health?

Answer 6

The microbiome helps maintain good health by preventing the growth of pathogenic microbes and potentially training the immune system to identify threats.

Question 7

Why is understanding the causes and transmission of disease important in microbiology?

Answer 7

Understanding the causes and transmission of diseases is crucial to prevent epidemics and protect public health.

Question 8

What are the three domains of life based on cellular organization?

Answer 8

The three domains of life are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Question 9

What are the main kingdoms within the domain Eukarya?

Answer 9

The main kingdoms within the domain Eukarya are Protists (Protozoa & Algae), Fungi, Plants, and Animals (including multicellular parasites).

Question 10

Who established the system of scientific nomenclature, and when was it established?

Answer 10

Carolus Linnaeus established the system of scientific nomenclature in 1735.

Question 11

What are the two names that make up a scientific name using the binomial nomenclature system?

Answer 11

A scientific name consists of two names: the genus (capitalized) and the specific epithet (lowercase), also known as the species.

Question 12

What are the types of microorganisms?

Answer 12

1. Bacteria
2. Archaea
3. Fungi
4. Protozoa
5. Algae
6. Viruses
7. Multicellular animal parasites

Question 13

What are the only two microorganisms that are prokaryotic?

Answer 13

1. Bacteria
2. Archaea

Question 14

What are the key characteristics of bacteria?

Answer 14

Bacteria are:
* Prokaryotic organisms with unicellular structures and “prenucleus” (lacking a true nucleus)
* They have peptidoglycan cell walls
* Divide through binary fission
* Can obtain nutrition from organic or inorganic chemicals or photosynthesis.

Question 15

How do bacteria reproduce?

Answer 15

Bacteria reproduce through a process called binary fission, where one cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Question 16

Define Archaea

Answer 16

Archaea are prokaryotic organisms that lack peptidoglycan cell walls. They can be found in extreme environments and have unique characteristics compared to bacteria.

Archaea generally do not cause disease in humans

Question 17

What are the three main groups of extremophiles within Archaea, and what environments do they thrive in?

Answer 17

1. Methanogens: Organisms that produce methane and are often found in anaerobic environments.
2. Extreme halophiles: Organisms that thrive in highly saline (salty) environments.
3. Extreme thermophiles: Organisms that thrive in extremely high-temperature environments.

Question 18

What are the main characteristics of fungi?

Answer 18

• Fungi are eukaryotic organisms with chitin cell walls.
• They obtain energy by absorbing organic chemicals from their surroundings.
• Yeasts are unicellular, while molds and mushrooms are multicellular.

Question 19

How do fungi obtain energy?

Answer 19

Fungi obtain energy by absorbing organic chemicals from their environment.

Question 20

What are the characteristics of protozoa?

Answer 20

• Protozoa are eukaryotic organisms that absorb or ingest organic chemicals for energy.
• They may be motile through pseudopods, cilia, or flagella.
• Some are free-living, while others are parasitic and derive nutrients from a living host.
• Can reproduce sexually or asexually, depends on the species

Question 21

What are the main characteristics of algae?

Answer 21

• Algae are eukaryotic organisms with cellulose cell walls.
• They are found in various environments like freshwater, saltwater, and soil.
• Algae use photosynthesis for energy, producing oxygen and carbohydrates.
• They can reproduce both sexually and asexually.

Question 22

What are the characteristics of viruses?

Answer 22

• Viruses are acellular entities consisting of a DNA or RNA core surrounded by a protein coat.
• Some viruses may also have a lipid envelope.
• They can only replicate when inside a living host cell and are inert outside of living hosts.

Viruses are ineffective without a host.

Question 23

What is spontaneous generation?

Answer 23

The hypothesis that life arises from nonliving matter.

Question 24

Who first discovered cells?

Answer 24

Robert Hooke in 1665.

Question 25

What are the three type of fungi?

Answer 25

1. Molds
2. Yeast
3. Mushrooms

Question 26

What are some discoveries made by Pasteur?

Answer 26

• Fermentation: he discovered that yeast conversion of sugar to alcohol in the absence of air
• Pasteurization: application of high heat for a short time to kill harmful bacteria in beverages

Question 27

How does Joseph Lister relate to the germ theory of disease?

Answer 27

He brought about the idea that many diseases are caused by microorganisms. He suggested that these microorganisms could be avoided to prevent disease.

Question 28

What are animalcules and who described them?

Answer 28

Anton van Leeuwenhoek discovered little animals when looking through a microscope. Today we know them as organisms.

Question 29

Who discovered penicillin?

Answer 29

Alexander Flemming