Biology of Microorganisms — Lectures 13–18

Flashcards covering key concepts in the biology of microorganisms, including taxonomy, significant phyla, and immunology.

Phylum

Taxonomic rank below Domain used to classify organisms.

Deinococcus radiodurans

Species in the phylum Deinococcus-Thermus known for its extreme resistance to radiation and desiccation.

Thermus aquaticus

Thermophilic member of the phylum Deinococcus-Thermus, source of Taq polymerase used in PCR.

Cyanobacteria

Phylum that includes primary producers in ecosystems and uses oxygenic photosynthesis.

Anabaena

Genus of Cyanobacteria that performs photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation, utilizes heterocysts to protect nitrogenase from O₂.

Chlamydia

Genus of Gram-negative, obligate intracellular bacteria known for causing diseases like pneumonia and STIs.

Spirochaetes

Phylum characterized by flexible, helical bacteria; includes pathogens like Treponema pallidum and Borrelia burgdorferi.

Bacteroidetes

Phylum of anaerobic bacteria that are significant in the human intestinal tract.

Proteobacteria

Largest group of bacteria, all Gram-negative with diverse metabolic capabilities.

Alpha Proteobacteria

Class of Proteobacteria that includes Rhizobium and Rickettsia.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Alpha Proteobacteria that causes crown gall disease in plants.

Beta Proteobacteria

Class of Proteobacteria that includes pathogens like Neisseria meningitidis.

Gamma Proteobacteria

Class that includes Enterics like E. coli and pathogens like Vibrio cholerae.

Delta Proteobacteria

Class of Proteobacteria including Myxococcus, known for social behavior and fruiting body formation.

Actinobacteria

Phylum of Gram-positive bacteria with high G+C content, includes pathogens like Mycobacterium.

Fungi

Eukaryotic organisms with chitin in their cell walls, which can be unicellular (yeasts) or multicellular (molds).

Mycelium

Mass of hyphae that make up the vegetative part of a fungus.

Metagenomics

Analysis of genetic material from microbial communities without the need for culturing.

Human Microbiome

The collection of microorganisms living in association with the human body.

Dysbiosis

Disruption in the microbiome associated with various diseases.

Mutualism

Symbiotic relationship where both partners benefit.

Quorum sensing

Process by which bacteria communicate and coordinate behavior based on population density.

Innate immunity

Non-specific, fast immune response that serves as the first line of defense.

Adaptive immunity

Specific immune response that has memory and targets specific antigens.

Phagocytosis

Process by which cells engulf and digest pathogens.

Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs)

Cells that process and present protein antigens on Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) to T cells.

Cytokines

Protein signaling molecules that regulate immunity and inflammation.

Zygomycota

Phylum of fungi that includes Rhizopus, characterized by sexual zygospores and asexual sporangiospores.

Ascomycota

Phylum of fungi known as sac fungi, producing ascospores and conidiospores.

Basidiomycota

Phylum of fungi also known as club fungi, bearing sexual basidiospores.

Cryptococcus neoformans

Basidiomycota pathogen that can infect the lungs and central nervous system.