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Fundamentals of Microbiology

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  • What are the four processes of life?

    Metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli are the four processes of life.

  • How do prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ?

    Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and organelles.

  • What is the difference between capsules and slime layers?

    Capsules are well-organized, firmly attached layers; slime layers are loosely attached and diffuse.

  • Compare fimbriae, pili, and flagella structures and functions.

    Fimbriae are short, numerous for attachment; pili are longer for DNA transfer; flagella are long for motility.

  • What are common shapes and arrangements of bacterial cells?

    Shapes include cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and spirilla (spiral). Arrangements vary like chains or clusters.

  • Contrast Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cell walls.

    Gram-positive walls have thick peptidoglycan; Gram-negative have thin peptidoglycan and an outer membrane.

  • How do Gram-positive and Gram-negative cells react during Gram staining?

    Gram-positive cells stain purple; Gram-negative cells stain pink/red due to differences in cell wall structure.

  • Describe the structure and function of the cytoplasmic membrane.

    The cytoplasmic membrane is a phospholipid bilayer controlling substance movement and energy generation.

  • What are passive and active transport processes across the cytoplasmic membrane?

    Passive transport moves substances down concentration gradients; active transport uses energy to move substances against gradients.

  • Explain bacterial endospore formation and function.

    Endospores are dormant, resistant structures formed for survival under harsh conditions.

  • What are the major eukaryotic organelles and their functions?

    Organelles include nucleus (DNA storage), mitochondria (energy), chloroplasts (photosynthesis), and ER (protein/lipid synthesis).

  • How do archaeal cells differ structurally from bacterial cells?

    Archaeal cells have unique membrane lipids and lack peptidoglycan, unlike bacterial cells.

  • Summarize the endosymbiotic theory.

    The theory states mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from prokaryotes engulfed by ancestral eukaryotes.

  • What are aseptic transfer techniques?

    Methods to prevent contamination when transferring microorganisms, such as flame sterilization and sterile tools.

  • How do you prepare a wet mount slide for microscopy?

    Place a drop of liquid specimen on a slide, cover with a coverslip, and observe under a microscope.

  • What does the ubiquitous nature of microorganisms mean?

    Microorganisms are found everywhere in the environment, including extreme habitats.