Binomial Nomenclature and Microscopy Basics

Vocabulary flashcards covering binomial nomenclature, Linnaeus, and microscopy concepts from the lecture notes.

Binomial Nomenclature

A two-name system for organisms using genus (capitalized) and species (lowercase); usually italicized in typed text.

Genus

The first term in a binomial name; capitalized; groups related organisms.

Species

The second term in a binomial name; lowercase; identifies a specific organism within a genus.

Italicization vs. Underlining

Binomial names are italicized when typed and underlined when handwritten.

Linnaeus

Swedish scientist who pioneered classification and binomial nomenclature.

Systema Naturae

Linnaeus's foundational work on classification and naming of living organisms.

Escherichia coli

A common bacterium named for its discovery in the intestine; example of a binomial name.

Salmonella enterica

A bacterial species used as an example; genus Salmonella, species enterica.

O157:H7

A pathogenic E. coli serotype associated with gastroenteritis.

Subspecies

Taxonomic rank below species describing distinct forms within a species.

E. coli subspecies notation

Serotype or strain identifiers (e.g., O157:H7) used to describe specific forms.

Prokaryotic energy production

Prokaryotes lack mitochondria; energy generation occurs at the cell membrane.

Mitochondria absence in prokaryotes

Prokaryotic cells do not have mitochondria.

Cell size and reproduction

Smaller cells often reproduce faster; many microorganisms divide roughly every 30 minutes.

Volume-to-surface area relationship

As cells grow, volume increases faster than the plasma membrane surface area, impacting diffusion and metabolism.

Measurement units

The meter is the standard unit (approximately 3 feet long) used for measuring length.

Light microscope capabilities

Used to visualize bacterial cells; typical visual range ~0.1 µm to ~1 mm; magnification up to ~1000x.

Immersion oil

Oil used with high-power objectives to improve resolution by reducing refraction.

Resolution

The ability to distinguish two points as separate in space; two distinct points can be resolved if they are farther apart than the resolution distance.

TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope)

Electron microscope that reveals internal structures by transmitting electrons through a fixed specimen.

SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope)

Electron microscope that reveals surface structures by scanning the specimen's surface.

Staining in microbiology

Techniques to add contrast to colorless bacteria; includes simple, negative, Gram, acid-fast, and spore staining.

Simple staining

All cells stained the same color with a positively charged dye.

Negative staining

Background stained; cells appear lighter against a stained background.

Gram staining

Differential stain distinguishing Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria based on cell wall properties.

Acid-fast staining

Stains organisms with waxy cell walls that retain stain after decolorization.

Spore staining

Staining to identify endospores within bacteria.

Aseptic transfer technique

Sterile method to transfer cultures to avoid contamination.

Media types

Broth, plates, and slants used to culture bacteria.

Bacterial smear

A thin layer of bacteria spread on a slide prior to staining.