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Microbiology Introductory Concepts and Cell Biology Chapters 1-5

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  • What are the five groups of living microorganisms and two nonliving entities studied in microbiology?

    Living groups: bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa, algae. Nonliving/noncellular entities: viruses, prions.

  • What is the endosymbiotic theory?

    The theory that certain organelles in eukaryotic cells, like mitochondria and chloroplasts, originated from free-living prokaryotes engulfed by ancestral cells.

  • Define pathogen and opportunistic pathogen.

    A pathogen causes disease in healthy hosts; an opportunistic pathogen causes disease only when the host's defenses are compromised.

  • What was the hypothesis of spontaneous generation versus biogenesis?

    Spontaneous generation claimed life arises from nonliving matter; biogenesis states life arises from existing life. Biogenesis was proven correct by Redi and Pasteur.

  • What is the germ theory of disease?

    The theory that microorganisms are the etiological agents causing infectious diseases.

  • Who established criteria for determining the etiological agent of infectious disease?

    Robert Koch established criteria known as Koch's postulates.

  • What is aseptic technique and why is it important?

    Aseptic technique prevents contamination by microbes; it is central to healthcare to reduce infections.

  • What is a nosocomial infection?

    An infection acquired in a healthcare setting, often caused by opportunistic pathogens.

  • What are the three domains of life?

    Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

  • What is binomial nomenclature and who developed it?

    A system of naming organisms using genus and species; developed by Carolus Linnaeus.

  • Describe parasitism, mutualism, and commensalism.

    Parasitism: one benefits, other harmed.
    Mutualism: both benefit.
    Commensalism: one benefits, other unaffected.

  • What is a biofilm? Give an example.

    A community of microbes attached to a surface in a protective matrix; example: dental plaque.

  • What is culture media?

    A nutrient-rich substance used to grow microorganisms in the lab.

  • What is the Gram stain used to differentiate?

    It differentiates bacteria by their cell wall structure: Gram-positive have thick peptidoglycan; Gram-negative have thin peptidoglycan and outer membrane.

  • What colors do Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria stain?

    Gram-positive: purple; Gram-negative: pink/red.

  • What is the acid-fast stain used to detect?

    It detects bacteria with a waxy cell wall containing mycolic acid, such as Mycobacterium.

  • What is the function of bacterial capsules in pathogenicity?

    Capsules protect bacteria from phagocytosis and help them adhere to surfaces, increasing pathogenicity.

  • What are endospores?

    Highly resistant dormant structures formed by some bacteria to survive harsh conditions.

  • What is the main molecule in the bacterial nucleoid?

    DNA is the main molecule contained in the nucleoid region.

  • What is the function of ribosomes?

    Ribosomes synthesize proteins by translating mRNA.

  • What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes?

    Prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S; eukaryotic ribosomes are 80S. Mitochondria and chloroplasts have 70S ribosomes.

  • What is the function of the plasma membrane in prokaryotes?

    It controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell and maintains homeostasis.

  • What is chemotaxis?

    Movement of an organism toward or away from a chemical stimulus.

  • What is the difference between active and passive transport?

    Active transport requires energy to move substances against a gradient; passive transport does not require energy and moves substances down a gradient.

  • What is osmosis?

    Passive diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

  • What is the function of flagella?

    Flagella provide motility to bacterial cells.

  • What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

    Mitosis produces two identical diploid cells; meiosis produces four genetically diverse haploid cells.

  • What is the function of mitochondria?

    Mitochondria generate ATP through cellular respiration; more mitochondria correlate with higher cell activity.