study guide- first microbio exam

What are microbes?

Microbes are beasties or animalcules found moving in the water.

How are microbes categorized?

Microbes are categorized by a taxonomic system: Bacteria, Archaea, Fungi, Protists, Algae, Small Multicellular Animals, and Viruses.

What are the three domains of life?

The three domains are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

What is a defining characteristic of prokaryotes?

Prokaryotes do not have membrane-bound organelles or a nucleus.

Which kingdoms are discussed in relation to eukaryotic organisms?

The four kingdoms discussed are Protists, Animals, Plants, and Fungi.

What is the significance of the terms 'autotrophs' and 'heterotrophs'?

Autotrophs produce their own food, while heterotrophs obtain food from other organisms.

What is spontaneous generation?

Spontaneous generation is the idea that living things can arise from nonliving matter.

Who conducted the experiment that debunked spontaneous generation?

Redi conducted an experiment with meat in a jar that showed spontaneous generation was not real.

What are Koch's 4 postulates?

1. Causative agents must be found in every case of the disease; 2. Agents must be isolated and grown outside the host; 3. When introduced to a healthy subject, it should cause the disease; 4. Must be found in the diseased experimental host.

What is the germ theory of disease?

The germ theory states that specific microbes are responsible for diseases, known as pathogens.

What is the relationship between microbiology and the scientific method?

Microbiology relies on the scientific method to conduct trial and error research on tiny microbes.

What major advancements were made during the Golden Age of Microbiology?

Key advancements include the germ theory, pasteurization, and the development of vaccines.

What are the four major macromolecules necessary for life?

The four major macromolecules are Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, and Nucleic Acids.

What is the function of ATP?

ATP is crucial for energy transfer within cells, breaking off a phosphate group to release energy.

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

DNA stores genetic information and is double-stranded, while RNA transmits information and is single-stranded.

Name some important safety rules for microbiology lab procedures.

No food or drinks, closed-toed shoes, wash hands, and properly label all materials.

What was the purpose of the handwashing lab?

To demonstrate how quickly contamination can spread and the importance of proper handwashing techniques.

What is industrial microbiology?

The use of microbes to intentionally produce products, such as fermenting grape juice to make wine.

Who was Leeuwenhoek?

He was an early microbiologist known for developing microscopes.

When was the Golden Age of Microbiology?

The Golden Age of Microbiology occurred between 1857 and 1907.