chapter 6.2 Flashcards
(41 cards)
forms of oxygen that are highly reactive and behave like oxidizing agents, stealing electrons from chemicals
toxic forms of oxygen
when a molecule loses electrons during a chemical reaction
oxidization
when a molecule gains electrons during a chemical reaction
reduction
a molecule that strips electrons from other molecules
oxidizing agent
four toxic forms of oxygen
- singlet oxygen
- superoxide radical
- peroxide anion
- hydroxyl radical
an enzyme that some aerobes have that converts Hydrogen Peroxide into water and oxygen
catalase
hydrogen peroxide naturally converts to what unless there is catalase present
peroxide anions or hyrdroxyl radicals
protect against oxidizing agents from stealing electrons through donating electrons to oxidizing agents which quenches their thirst for electrons
antioxidants
nitrogen is needed to synthesize
proteins and nucleic acids
where is nitrogen found
- amino group of amino acids
- nucleotides that make up DNA/RNA
low levels of lack of nitrogen do what
limit growth of microbe since DNA and proteins are required to grow in size or reproduce through cell division
needed for synthesis of nucleic acids and ATP
phosphorous
energy currency in cells
ATP
phosphate backbone of DNA
nucleic acids
element found in some amino acids
sulfur
sulfur allows for
3D structures and protein folding
elements that are required in very small amounts, but still essential
trace elements
organic chemicals that cannot be synthesized by certain microorganisms that boost growth
growth factors
important physical factor in microbial growth because it affects protein structure and plasma membrane structure
temperature
protein that unfolds and works uncorrectly
denaturing
if the temp is too low the plasma membrane becomes
too rigid/fragile, close together and will shatter
if temp is too high the plasma membrane
becomes too fluid like, moves away from eachother
generally grow best below 15 degrees and are found in cold water ice and snowfields, cannot infect humans
psychrophiles
generally grow best between 20-40 degrees celsius and are found in most environments, pathogenic to humans
mesophiles