Identifying and Classifying Microorganisms

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the identification and classification of microorganisms, including taxonomy, classification systems, identification methods, and techniques used in microbiology.

What is taxonomy?

Taxonomy is the science that characterizes and names organisms to arrange them into hierarchical groups (taxa).

What are the three separate areas of taxonomy?

Identification, Classification, and Nomenclature.

What is a species in prokaryotic classification?

A species is the basic unit in prokaryotes, defined as a group of closely related isolates or strains.

What classification system was proposed in the late 1970s?

The current three-domain system: Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.

What is the significance of ribosomal RNA in taxonomy?

Ribosomal RNA sequences are used to determine evolutionary relationships among organisms.

What are the major characteristics that differentiate Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya?

Differences include cytoplasmic membrane structure, presence of a membrane-bound nucleus, and the composition of the cell wall.

What method uses antibodies to detect specific proteins or polysaccharides?

Serological testing.

What does MALDI-TOF stand for and what is it used for?

MALDI-TOF stands for Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight, and it's used for rapid identification of microorganisms.

What do nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) achieve?

NAATs amplify specific DNA sequences, allowing detection of small numbers of organisms from samples.

What is the purpose of whole genome sequencing (WGS)?

WGS is used to detect subtle differences among phenotypically identical strains and track infectious disease outbreaks.