mICROBIO

What do microorganisms require nutrients for?

Cellular component synthesis and energy production.

What are the five classifications of growth requirements for microorganisms?

Physical requirements, chemical requirements, medium types, growth factors, and isolation methods.

What is the optimum temperature range for mesophiles?

Optimum 25-40°C, with pathogenic bacteria growing best at 37°C.

Psychrophiles grow at temperatures of __________.

0°C, with an optimum of 15°C.

What is plasmolysis in terms of microbial growth?

It occurs when high osmotic pressure causes microbes to lose water.

Define autotrophs.

Organisms that use CO2 as their carbon source.

What type of media supports fastidious microbes?

Enrichment media.

What phase of the microbial growth curve involves adaptation to a new environment?

Lag phase.

Define selective media.

Media that encourages certain microorganisms while inhibiting others.

What method is used for isolating pure cultures?

Streak plate method.

What do heterotrophs utilize as their carbon source?

Organic compounds.

What is the role of nitrogen in microbial nutrition?

It is needed for amino acids and nucleic acids.

What characterizes the log phase of microbial growth?

Rapid, optimal growth where generation time varies.

What is the importance of trace elements in microbial growth?

They are needed for enzyme synthesis, such as iron and zinc.

What happens during the decline phase of the growth curve?

Rapid cell death occurs.

What is the chemical requirement that makes up 80-90% of microbial cellular structure?

Water.

What type of culture contains a single organism?

Pure culture.

What do aerobic bacteria require to grow?

Oxygen.

What type of media distinguishes between different bacterial species based on characteristics?

Differential media.