Microbiology and Biochemistry Lecture Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering taxonomy, molecular chemistry, bacterial anatomy, and eukaryotic microbiology based on lecture notes.

Taxonomy

The science of classifying living beings.

Binomial Nomenclature

A system of naming organisms where the 1st name is the Genus (capitalized) and the 2nd name is the Species (lowercase).

Strains/Subspecies

Members of the same species that possess unique traits, such as toxins or virulence determinants.

Covalent Bonds

Bonds formed between atoms that share electrons.

Ionic Bonds

Bonds formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another.

Acidic Solution

A solution that contains an excess of $H^+$ ions.

Polysaccharide

A carbohydrate composed of 5 or more monosaccharides.

Polar Molecule

A molecule composed of 2 atoms with different electronegativity.

Amphipathic

Describing a molecule that possesses both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties.

Secondary (2°) Structure

Protein structure formed when functional groups on the outer surface of a molecule interact with each other, creating an $\text{α-helix}$ or $\text{β-pleated sheet}$.

Unsaturated Fatty Acid

A fatty acid that contains a double bond between carbon atoms.

Denature

To disrupt the native state of a protein using heat, acid, alcohol, or disinfectants by breaking stabilizing inter-chain bonds, rendering the protein non-functional.

Phospholipids

Lipid molecules consisting of 2 fatty acids, glycerol, and a phosphate group attached to the 3rd binding site.

Vibrio

Bacteria that have a curved shape.

Staphylococci

Bacterial cells arranged in irregular clusters.

Streptococci

Bacterial cells arranged in chains ranging from a few to 100 cells.

Pili

Structures used in conjugation for the partial transfer of DNA from one bacterial cell to another.

Capsule

A layer tightly bound to a cell that protects bacteria against phagocytic white blood cells.

Lipopolysaccharide

A component of Gram-negative bacteria containing endotoxin that can stimulate fever and shock reactions.

Peptidoglycan

A complex molecule found in the cell walls of most bacteria.

Nucleoid

The dense area in a bacterial cell where one or more circular strands of DNA (chromosome) are aggregated.

Endospores

Bacterial structures capable of resisting heating, drying, freezing, radiation, and chemicals.

Mycology

The branch of science focused on the study of fungi.

Mycelium

The woven, intertwining mass of hyphae that constitutes the body or colony of a mold.

Saprobes

Organisms that obtain their substrates from dead plants and animals.

Antibiosis

The process by which an organism produces toxic metabolic wastes that kill other organisms.

Trophozoite

The motile feeding stage of protozoa.

Giardia

A flagellated protozoan that causes diarrhea.

Balantidium coli

A ciliated protozoan that causes diarrheal disease.

Apicomplexans

Immobile protozoa with a complex life cycle involving well-developed asexual and sexual stages, such as Plasmodium which causes malaria.

Helminths

Macroscopic, visible parasites such as roundworms.