Microorganisms Flashcards
What different types of microbes exist?
Fungi, bacteria and viruses.
What conditions encourage growth of microbes?
- Warm moisture
- Nutrients
- Food
- Time
- Oxygen
Where do microbes live?
Water, soil and air.
Describe the bacteria from the soil in the pondwater experiment.
- Creamy, white colour
- Small white colonies of bacteria
Describe the bacteria from the pond in the pondwater experiment.
- Small
- Yellow
- Dots of colonies of bacteria
Describe the bacteria from the air in the pondwater experiment.
- Larger colonies of bacteria
- White and yellow
- Large colony of fungi (furry)
What is the lag phase?
First stage of bacterial growth - cells are adjusting to a new environment
What is the log phase?
There is an exponential increase in the number of living bacterial cells.
What is the stationary phase?
No overall population growth - number of dividing cells equal the number of dying cells.
What is the death / decline phase?
Exponential decrease in number of living bacterial cells.
What is an antibacterial?
Destroys bacteria or suppresses their ability to reproduce.
What is a disinfectant?
Agents applied to non-living objects to destroy microorganisms that are living on objects.
What is an antiseptic?
Substance applied to living tissue / skin to reduce possibility of infection, sepsis or putrefaction.
What is an antimicrobial?
Agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth.
What is the lag phase?
The first stage of bacterial growth, where cells are adjusting to a new environment.
