Microorganisms and Biotechnology

Comprehensive fill-in-the-blank practice flashcards covering microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi), associated diseases, immunity, ecological roles, and biotechnology applications.

Organisms belonging to Kingdom Fungi are multicellular, have cell walls not made of cellulose, and obtain nutrients as __________ feeders.

saprophytic

Unlike eukaryotes, organisms classified under Kingdom Prokaryotae (Monera) are unicellular with a simple cell structure and no __________.

nucleus

An active viral particle is referred to as a virus, whereas an inactive viral particle outside a host cell is termed a __________.

virion

In the diagram of a polyhedral virus, the individual protein subunits that make up the outer protein capsid are called __________.

capsomeres

In the T-even bacteriophage structure, the cylindrical sheath connects the capsid head measuring $65\,\text{nm}$ to the __________.

baseplate

Viruses are considered non-living because they lack __________, do not feed or require energy, and cannot replicate without a living host.

protoplasm

HIV specifically attacks the body's __________ system, which can progress to AIDS if left untreated.

immune

The ability of disease-causing pathogens to continue multiplying despite the presence of drugs that previously killed them is defined as __________.

drug resistance

A typical prokaryotic bacterial cell has an approximate size of ${10}\,\mu\text{m}$, whereas a typical eukaryotic cell has an approximate size of ${100}\,\mu\text{m}$, and contains internal membranes and a distinct __________.

nucleus

Bacteria reproduce asexually under favorable conditions through the process of __________.

binary fission

In a bacterial cell, the outer structure that protects the organism against the host's body defenses is the __________.

waxy capsule

Bacteria are classified by shape: spherical bacteria are called cocci, rod-shaped bacteria are called bacilli, and spiral-shaped bacteria are called __________.

spirilla

Comma-shaped bacteria such as Vibrio cholerae are classified as __________.

vibrio

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium named __________.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

In tuberculosis management, the strategy represented by the acronym DOTS stands for Directly Observed __________ Short-Course.

Treatment

According to health statistics, tuberculosis is responsible for $1$ in ${3}$ __________-related deaths.

AIDS

Protists are divided into two main informal groups: plant-like protists known as algae and animal-like protists known as __________.

protozoa

The unicellular, microscopic plant-like protists that possess silica cell walls and chlorophyll are called __________.

diatoms

The protozoan that causes malaria belongs to the genus __________.

Plasmodium

In the transmission of malaria to humans, the female mosquito acts as the __________.

vector

Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua) and the combination medicine __________ are used to treat malaria infections.

Coartem

The chemical insecticide sprayed indoors on walls to destroy mosquitoes for malaria control is __________.

DDT

Unlike multicellular molds and mushrooms, __________ are an example of unicellular fungi.

yeasts

A lichen is an example of a mutualistic relationship formed between a fungus and an __________.

alga

Thrush is an opportunistic fungal infection caused by yeasts of the genus __________.

Candida

A gall-forming rust fungus was introduced to South Africa from Australia in 1987 as a biological control agent to control the invasive weed __________.

Acacia saligna

In a mycorrhizal relationship, the plant provides carbohydrates from photosynthesis while the fungal partner supplies absorbed __________ to the plant roots.

minerals

The nitrogen-fixing bacteria that form a mutualistic relationship with the root nodules of legumes belong to the genus __________.

Rhizobium

The process of using microorganisms to consume and clean up contaminants like oil and organic matter in polluted soil and water is known as __________.

bioremediation

In the immune response, __________ produce specific antibodies that target and bind to foreign antigens on pathogens.

lymphocytes

An infant receiving maternal antibodies across the placenta or through breast milk is an example of natural __________ immunity.

passive

Vaccinating a critical portion of a population to prevent the spread of infectious disease to unvaccinated individuals creates __________ immunity.

herd

Antibiotics are chemical substances specifically designed to destroy pathogenic __________.

bacteria

The first discovered antibiotic derived from a mould fungus is __________.

penicillin

Traditional South African fermented drinks produced through anaerobic respiration include sorghum beers like Chibuku and the maize beverage __________.

Mageu

Medical biotechnology utilizes genetically modified microorganisms to produce therapeutic proteins such as human growth hormone and __________.

insulin