Microbial Identification and Morphology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to microbial identification and morphology.

Fusobacterium

A genus of bacteria that are part of the normal flora of the human mouth and may lead to infections.

Vibrio

A genus of bacteria known for their comma-shaped, rod-like structure.

Corynebacteriaceae

A family of bacteria that includes the genus Corynebacterium, often characterized by their club-shaped form.

Psychrophiles

Bacteria that thrive at low temperatures, typically below 15°C.

Mesophiles

Bacteria that grow best in moderate temperature ranges, typically between 20-45°C, and include most human pathogens.

Thermophiles

Bacteria that thrive at high temperatures, usually between 40-70°C.

Hyperthermophiles

Bacteria that thrive at extremely high temperatures, often above 70°C.

Obligate aerobes

Microorganisms that require oxygen for growth and survival.

Facultative anaerobes

Microorganisms that can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen.

Gram stain

A differential staining technique used to classify bacteria based on the properties of their cell walls.

Selectively differential medium

A growth medium that allows certain types of bacteria to grow while inhibiting others.

Lactose fermentation

The process in which certain bacteria break down lactose, producing acids and sometimes gas.

Osmotic environment

The concentration of solutes in a solution compared to that inside a cell, affecting cellular behavior.

Coccobacillus

A bacterium that has characteristics of both coccus (spherical) and bacillus (rod-shaped) forms.

Palisade arrangement

A bacterial arrangement where cells are aligned side by side, resembling a picket fence.

Sarcina

Bacteria that occur in cubes, formed by division in three planes.

Streptobacilli

Rod-shaped bacteria that occur in chains.

Budding bacteria

Bacteria that reproduce by forming buds that develop into separate organisms.