Microbiology and microbial genomes

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37 Terms

1
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What is microbiology?

The study of microorganisms, their functions, diversity, evolution, interactions and their role in the world

2
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What are the 2 main themes of microbiology?

  1. Understanding the nature and function of the microbial world

  2. Applying this knowledge to benefit humanity and Earth

3
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What are the three domains of life?

  1. Archaea

  2. Bacteria

  3. Eukarya

4
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When did microbial cells first appear on Earth?

Between 3.8 and 3.9 billion years ago

5
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What is the relationship between microorganisms and human health?

Most microorganisms are harmless, with only a small number being pathogenic. Many live inside and on our bodies as normal microbiome

6
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How has the impact of infectious diseases changed since the 1900s?

Early 1900s: Leading cause of death

Today: Better controlled through improved sanitation, vaccines and antibiotics

7
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What is Staphylococcus aureus and why is it significant?

  • Found in 20-30% of people

  • Can cause minor to life-threatening infections

  • MRSA is a significant antibiotic-resistant strain

8
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What is Candida albicans?

  • Natural inhabitant of digestive tract and mucous membranes

  • Can cause various infections from superficial to systemic

  • Causes approximately 500,000 deaths annually

9
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What is nitrogen fixation?

Process where bacteria convert atmospheric N2 to NH3, making nitrogen available for plant use

10
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How do Rhizobium bacterial help plants?

  • Colonise plant root system and form nodules

  • Convert N2 to NH3

  • Enable plants to produce nitrogen-rich leaves and seeds

11
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What is thee roles of microorganisms in ruminant animals?

They live in the rumen and help digest and ferment cellulose, enabling ruminants to thrive on grass and hay

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What is the human microbiome?

Trillions of microorganisms and thousands of species living in our bodies, including bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses

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How does the human microbiome develop?

  • Initial exposure during birth and breastfeeding

  • Shaped by environment and diet

  • Unique to each person based on DNA

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What are the key functions of the human microbiome?

  • Stimulates immune system

  • Breaks down toxic compounds

  • Synthesises vitamins (B vitamins and K)

  • Helps digest complex carbohydrates

15
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What is Fusarium basal rot (FBR)?

A soil-borne disease affecting onions caused by Fusarium oxysporum fsp. cepae (FOC)

16
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What is the economic importance of onions?

  • Annual production: 78.5M tonnes worth £9500M

  • Second most valuable vegetable crop globally after tomato

  • UK production valued at £110M per year

17
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How does Fusarium infection affect onions?

  • Directly infects roots through soil spore germination

  • Causes bulb rot late in season or in storage

  • Can affect plants at any developmental age

18
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What are the three roles of microorganisms in food?

  1. Pathogenic - causing infections of intoxications

  2. Saprophytic - causing food spoilage

  3. Cultured - used in food processing

19
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What are the first-generation biofuels?

Biofuels produced from edible plants like:

  • Sugar cane (Brazil)

  • Sugar beet (France)

  • Corn kernels (USA)

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What are the challenges of first-generation biofuels?

Biofuels made from non-food plant materials (lignocellulose) such as stalks, sawdust and wood chips

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What is Sulfolobus solfataricus?

An archaeon from volcanic pools that produces cellulase enzyme, studied for biofuel production

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What is Trichoderma reesei and its importance?

  • Soil-dwelling fungus producing cellulase

  • Converts 75% of straw fibre to sugar

  • Used in biofuel production

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How is yeast used in biofuel production?

Saccharomyces cerevisiae ferments glucose into ethanol

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What is microbial biotechnology?

The use of microorganisms to create valuable commercial products, including medical compounds like insulin

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What happens when plants lack proper nodulation in nitrogen-poor soil?

  • Plants become chlorotic

  • Low nitrogen content

  • Poor seed yield

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What are the largest populations of human microbiota found?

In the small and large intestines

27
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What are the digestive benefits of the human microbiome?

  • Breaks down complex carbohydrates

  • Produces short chain fatty acids

  • Supports muscle function

  • Helps prevent chronic diseases

  • Protects against harmful organisms

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What is the importance of nitrogen for plants?

  • Critical limiting element for growth

  • Major component of chlorophyll

  • Found in amino acids, ATP and nucleic acids

29
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How do microorganisms benefit agriculture?

  • Through nitrogen fixation

  • Supporting ruminant digestion

  • Improving soil fertility

30
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What are emerging microbial threats?

Bird flu and Ebola - animal diseases that can spread to humans and quickly become widespread

31
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How do opportunistic pathogens work?

They normally don’t cause disease but can become pathogenic when the host’s immune system is weakened

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What is the significance of soil-borne plant diseases?

They cause major economic losses in agriculture by affecting crop yields and storage

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What are the main characteristics of a healthy microbiome?

  • Contains both helpful and potentially harmful microbes

  • Mostly symbiotic relationships

  • Balanced composition

  • Controlled pathogenic organisms

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What’s the difference between first and second generation biofuels?

First-generation uses edible food crops, while second-generation uses non-food plant materials and waste products

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How do microorganisms contribute to sustainable energy?

Through biofuel production, helping breakdown plant materials into usable energy sources

36
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What is the role of genetic modification in microbial biotechnology?

It helps create microorganisms that can more efficiently produce valuable products and medical compounds

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What are the main applications of microorganisms in industry?

  • Food production and processing

  • Biofuel generations

  • Medical compound synthesis

  • Biotechnology products