Microbiology Flashcards
(21 cards)
Macronutrients
Essential elements
Micronutrients
Trace metals
Run
Flagella rotate anticlockwise forming bundle
Tumble
Motor rotates clockwise
Unbundles flagella -> RHS helix
Endospores decreased resistance
Water + a.a decrease resistance
Virulence factors
Traits that allow infection, survival + host damage
Gram + bacteria structure
Thick PG layer (stains purple)
No OM
Gram - bacteria structure
Thin PG (stains pink)
OM with LPS (endotoxin)
PPS
Capsule functions
Anti-phagocytic (immune evasion)
Helps adhesion
Prevents desiccation
Contributes to virulence
Endotoxins function
Released during cell division/lysis
Prime immune system against pathogens
Endotoxin properties
Heat stable
Toxic in small amounts
Interacts with innate immune system which can lead to cascade effect (release of cytokines) + activation of TF
Porins structure
16 stranded beta barrel - hourglass shape with central constriction
Sec pathway
Transports unfolded proteins across membrane
Requires N-terminal signal sequence
MCPs
Methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins Detect chemical gradients
Bind MCP receptors
Gliding
Via secreting slime
Twitching
Via type IV pili
Pili functions
Attachment to surfaces/hosts
DNA transfer via conjugation
Motility in some species
Type IV pili
Enable twitching motility
Help in host adhesion
Endospore structure
Core (DNA + enzymes) - inactive
Cortex - PG
Coat - barrier to chemicals + enzymes
Exosporium
AMR mechanisms
Enzyme inactivation
Efflux pumps – eject antibiotics
Altered targets – mutations in binding sites
Reduced permeability – via membrane changes
Augmentative compounds
Combine with antibiotics to enhance effect
