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Importance of Microorganisms quiz #1

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  • Which organisms contribute most to the decomposition of dead organisms?
    Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, are the primary contributors to the decomposition of dead organisms.
  • Which are the most common microbes on Earth?
    Bacteria are the most common microbes on Earth.
  • What approximate percent of all bacteria are harmless and can even be beneficial to humans?
    About 99% of all bacteria are harmless and many are beneficial to humans.
  • Why are efforts made to identify unknown bacteria?
    Efforts are made to identify unknown bacteria to understand their roles in health, disease, and environmental processes.
  • How do bacteria help the environment?
    Bacteria help the environment by performing nitrogen fixation, cellulose degradation, and bioremediation.
  • Why are bacteria that catabolize aromatic molecules important?
    Bacteria that catabolize aromatic molecules are important for bioremediation of environmental pollutants.
  • How might microorganisms be spread?
    Microorganisms can be spread through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, water, air, and food.
  • What is a consequence of water polluted by human sewage?
    Water polluted by human sewage can lead to the spread of disease-causing microorganisms.
  • What could happen if a pedicure bath is not properly cleaned?
    If a pedicure bath is not properly cleaned, harmful microorganisms can grow and cause infections.
  • Who uses microbiology?
    Microbiology is used by scientists, healthcare professionals, food producers, environmentalists, and researchers.
  • How does the release of carbon dioxide by microorganisms benefit plant life?
    The release of carbon dioxide by microorganisms benefits plant life by providing a source of carbon for photosynthesis.
  • Why are some scientists studying the bacteria that live in the guts of termites?
    Scientists study termite gut bacteria to understand cellulose degradation and its environmental impact.
  • More than half of our antibiotics are derived from which source?
    More than half of our antibiotics are derived from microorganisms, especially molds and bacteria.
  • Some molds are beneficial and used in the production of antibiotics. True or False?
    True. Some molds are beneficial and used in the production of antibiotics.
  • Microbes are useful research tools because
    Microbes are useful research tools because they share fundamental metabolic and genetic features with complex organisms and are easy and inexpensive to grow.
  • Microbes are not responsible for __________.
    Microbes are not responsible for processes unrelated to decomposition, nutrient cycling, or disease, such as photosynthesis in plants.
  • The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair, exposed unsafe and unsanitary practices in the ___ industry.
    The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair, exposed unsafe and unsanitary practices in the meatpacking industry.
  • The presence or growth of microorganisms is a type of
    The presence or growth of microorganisms is a type of biological hazard.
  • Common commercial benefits of microorganisms include synthesis of
    Common commercial benefits of microorganisms include synthesis of antibiotics, food products, biofuels, dietary supplements, insecticides, and plastics.
  • A healthy gut microbiota profoundly influences
    A healthy gut microbiota profoundly influences human health by aiding digestion and protecting against pathogens.
  • What approximate percent of all bacteria are harmless?
    Approximately 99% of all bacteria are harmless.
  • Bacteria and other microbes can be used to clean up
    Bacteria and other microbes can be used to clean up environmental pollutants through bioremediation.
  • The presence or growth of microorganisms is a type of what hazard?
    The presence or growth of microorganisms is a type of biological hazard.
  • A human plus all of its resident microbiota is a(n)
    A human plus all of its resident microbiota is a holobiont.