Module Four, Lecture Thirty

Question 1

What is Microbial Ecology?

Answer 1

The study of how microorganisms interact with each other and their environment, including both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors

Question 2

What is Microbial Metabolism?

Answer 2

Encompasses all the chemical reactions that occur within a microbial cell to sustain life, growth, and reproduction

Question 3

What are the basic components of Microbial Metabolism? ( 2 )

Answer 3

1. Harvesting of building blocks
2. Harvesting of energy

Question 4

How do organisms acquire energy? ( 2 )

Answer 4

Light or Chemical Oxidation

Question 5

What is a Mesocosm?

Answer 5

An experimental system that simulates real-life conditions as closely as possible

Question 6

What are the four ket Trophic Groups of Microorganisms? ( 4 )

Answer 6

1. Chemoautotrophs
2. Chemoheterotrophs
3. Photoautotrophs
4. Photoheterotrophs

Question 7

What do Autotrophs do?

Answer 7

Create their own food, typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

Question 8

What do Heterotrophs do?

Answer 8

Obtain nourishment by consuming other organisms or organic matter

Question 9

What do Chemotrophs do?

Answer 9

Obtain energy by oxidising electron-donating molecules in their environment

Question 10

What do Phototrophs do?

Answer 10

Use light as their primary energy source for metabolism

Question 11

What cellular functions are REDOX and Metabolism involved in? ( 5 )

Answer 11

1. Photosynthesis
2. Respiration
3. Combustion
4. Corrosion
5. Rusting

Question 12

What are the functions of REDOX? ( 3 )

Answer 12

1. Protects the mitochondria from oxidation damage
2. important in regulating cellular REDOX status
3. Provides energy by generating ATP to conduct cellular function