Microbiology: The Microbial World and You

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering the introductory concepts of microbiology, historical milestones, classification of microorganisms, and their impact on human health and the environment.

According to the lecture transcript, what is the definition of microorganisms?

Organisms that are too small to be seen with the unaided eye.

What does the term 'germ' refer to in a microbiological context?

A rapidly growing cell.

What are the four components required to pass the subject according to Assoc. Prof. Bob Jimenez?

1. Attend all classes face to face ($10\%$), 2. Actively participate in class discussion ($30\%$), 3. Answer and pass all quizzes/long tests ($30\%$), 4. Pass major exams ($30\%$), and pass laboratory exams.

According to the Three Domains of Life system, what are the three classifications?

Bacteria (true bacteria), Archaea (odd bacteria living in extreme environments), and Eukarya (organisms with a nucleus and organelles).

For approximately how long have bacteria-like organisms existed on Earth?

$3.5 \text{ billion years}$.

What is the primary difference between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes regarding their nucleus?

Prokaryotes are 'pre-nucleus' (simple cells), while Eukaryotes have a 'true nucleus' (complex cells).

How do saprophytes contribute to the environment?

They break down dead and decaying organic material into inorganic nutrients in the soil.

What are two beneficial functions of normal microbiota in the human body?

They prevent the growth of pathogens and produce growth factors such as folic acid and vitamin K.

Distinguish between an infectious disease and a microbial intoxication.

An infectious disease results when a pathogen colonizes the body; a microbial intoxication results when a person ingests a toxin produced by a microbe in vitro.

Who established the system of scientific nomenclature for organisms?

Linnaeus.

In the scientific name Staphylococcus aureus, what does the genus name describe?

The clustered arrangement of the cells (staphylo-).

Who is credited with reporting that living things are composed of 'little boxes' or cells in $1665$?

Robert Hooke.

What is the cell theory proposed based on the work of Hooke and Virchow?

All living things are composed of cells and come from preexisting cells.

Define the hypothesis of spontaneous generation.

The hypothesis that living organisms arise from nonliving matter through a 'vital force'.

How did Louis Pasteur disprove spontaneous generation in $1861$?

By using S-shaped flasks that kept microbes out but let air in, demonstrating that microorganisms are present in the air but do not arise from it.

What is pasteurization?

The application of high heat for a short time to kill spoilage bacteria.

What were Koch's Postulates designed to prove?

A sequence of experimental steps used to directly link a specific microbe to a specific disease.

Who discovered the first antibiotic, and what was the substance?

Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in $1928$, produced by the Penicillium fungus.

What is bioremediation?

The use of living microbes to detoxify or degrade pollutants like oil and mercury, or to decompose industrial wastes.

What is the main component of bacterial cell walls?

Peptidoglycan.

What is the primary difference between the cell walls of Fungi and Algae?

Fungi have chitin cell walls, while Algae have cellulose cell walls.

Describe the basic structure of a virus.

Acellular, consisting of a DNA or RNA core surrounded by a protein coat, which may be enclosed in a lipid envelope.

According to the transcript, what is the study of immunity called?

Immunology.

Which emerging infectious disease was first identified in the West Nile region of Uganda in $1937$ and appeared in NYC in $1999$?

West Nile encephalitis.

What causes Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Mad Cow Disease)?

A Prion.

Which scientist advocated handwashing in the $1840s$ to prevent the transmission of puerperal fever?

Ignaz Semmelweis.

What role did Joseph Lister play in the history of microbiology?

In the $1860s$, he used a chemical disinfectant (phenol) to prevent surgical wound infections.

Which microbe is used as a biological insecticide to protect crops?

Bacillus thuringiensis.

Define the term 'Recombinant DNA'.

DNA made from two different sources, such as animal DNA inserted into bacterial DNA.

What are the common names used for parasitic flatworms and roundworms?

Helminths.