Analytical Methods of Microbiology (BTG 415) - Lecture Notes

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental concepts, identification methods, mechanisms, and enzymatic roles of bacteria and fungi in biodegradation based on the BTG 415 lecture notes.

Biodegradation

A process in Biotechnology involving the breakdown of organic and inorganic substances by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.

Aerobic bacteria

Microorganisms that utilize oxygen during oxidation processes to decompose pollutants and organic wastes.

Anaerobic bacteria

Microorganisms that generate energy without oxygen using fermentation or reduction pathways for degradation.

Biofilms

Structures produced by some bacteria to improve attachment to waste materials and increase degradation efficiency.

Gram staining

A microscopic examination technique used to reveal bacterial cell arrangement and wall characteristics during identification.

Biochemical analyses

Laboratory tests such as catalase, citrate utilisation, oxidase, and sugar fermentation used to distinguish bacterial species.

Polymerase chain reaction

An advanced molecular technique used for the precise identification of biodegrading microorganisms through gene sequencing.

Hyphae

Filamentous structures of fungi that penetrate deeply into resistant organic materials such as lignin and wood.

Extracellular digestion

A mechanism where fungi secrete enzymes outside their cells onto complex substrates before nutrient absorption occurs.

White-rot fungi

Fungi possessing oxidative enzymes capable of breaking down highly resistant compounds such as lignin.

Potato dextrose agar

A selective culture media used for the laboratory isolation of fungi from soil environments.

Lactophenol cotton blue staining

A staining procedure used to improve the visibility of fungal spores and reproductive structures under a microscope.

Cellulases

Specialized enzymes produced by bacteria and fungi that degrade cellulose into sugars.

Proteases

Biological catalysts that hydrolyze proteins into amino acids during decomposition.

Lipases

Bacterial enzymes that break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

Amylases

Enzymes that convert starch into simple carbohydrates during the degradation process.

Dehydrogenases

Enzymes that participate in oxidation reactions during the breakdown of pollutants by bacteria.

Ligninases

Extracellular enzymes synthesized by fungi specifically to break down lignin in woody materials.

Pectinases

Fungal enzymes used to degrade pectin found in fruits and vegetables.

Environmental optimization

The practice of managing factors like temperature, pH, and moisture to improve microbial growth and biodegradation performance.