MicroBiology Flashcards
(45 cards)
What is microbiology?
The study of small microorganisms which cannot be seen with the unaided eye.
What types of microorganisms are included in microbiology?
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Molds
- Yeast
- Viruses
- Parasites
True or False: Most microbes are harmful to humans.
False
What are pathogens?
Microbes that make us sick.
What are non-pathogenic microbes?
Microbes that are harmless to humans.
List the roles of microbes in our lives.
- Marine and freshwater microbes are the bottom of the food chain
- Soil microbes break down waste and provide nitrogen
- Some microbes help manufacture vitamins we which we need, but cannot make ourselves
What types of compounds do industrial microbes produce?
- Acids
- Alcohols
- Vitamins
- Drugs
What are the two names assigned to all microorganisms?
Genus and species.
Fill in the blank: The genus name is always _______.
capitalized
Fill in the blank: The species name is always _______.
lowercase
What is the correct way to reference a microbe?
Use both the genus and species name.
What is an acceptable abbreviation for a genus name?
The first letter of the genus followed by the entire species name.
What is a common naming convention for scientific names?
They often refer to the shape or living environment of a microbe.
List the main types of microbes.
- Bacteria
- Archaea
- Fungi
- Protozoa
- Algae
- Multicellular Animal Parasites
- Viruses
What are prokaryotes?
Organisms made up of cells that lack a cell nucleus or any membrane-encased organelles.
What are eukaryotes?
Organisms made up of cells that possess a membrane-bound nucleus that holds genetic material and organelles.
What are the three common shapes of bacteria?
- Bacillus (rod)
- Coccus (sphere)
- Spirillum (spiral)
What is peptidoglycan?
A protein complex that makes up the cell wall of bacteria.
The amt in a bacterial cell wall determines if either gram + or gram -
How do bacteria reproduce?
By binary fission, a form of asexual replication.
What are extremophiles?
Organisms classified under Archaea that thrive in extreme environments.
List the categories of extremophiles.
- Methanogens
- Halophiles
- Thermophiles
What are fungi?
Eukaryotic organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular.
Small unicellular- usually yeast
Large multicellular- includes molds and mushrooms
How do fungi obtain nourishment?
By absorbing it from their surroundings.
What are fungal spores?
Major means by which fungi move to new places to grow.
