Micro Exam 3 and Practical 2

Living Requirements for Organisms

Energy source, carbon source, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, trace elements, and water.

Minimum Requirements for Organisms

Energy source, carbon source, water, essential nutrients (N, P, S, trace metals), proper environmental conditions.

Photoautotroph

Organisms that obtain energy from light and carbon from CO₂.

Chemoautotroph

Organisms that obtain energy from chemical compounds and carbon from CO₂.

Heterotroph

Organisms that obtain carbon from organic molecules.

Morphology

The study of the shape and structure of microorganisms.

Staining Characteristics

The classification of microorganisms based on their Gram stain results.

Metabolism

The totality of an organism's chemical processes, including energy and nutrient sources used.

Genetics in Microbiology

The study of microbial DNA/RNA sequencing and GC content.

Ecology in Microbiology

The study of the habitat, temperature, and oxygen needs of microorganisms.

Energy Source

Drives cellular reactions and ATP generation.

Building Material Source

Provides carbon skeletons for constructing macromolecules.

Coccus

Spherical-shaped bacteria.

Bacillus

Rod-shaped bacteria.

Spirillum

Rigid spiral-shaped bacteria.

Spirochete

Flexible spiral-shaped bacteria.

Vibrio

Comma-shaped bacteria.

Coccobacillus

Oval-shaped bacteria.

Binary Fission

The primary method of reproduction in prokaryotes where a cell divides into two identical cells.

Budding

A method of reproduction in some prokaryotic species where a new organism grows off the existing one.

Cell Wall Composition

Determines Gram stain results, affecting antibiotic susceptibility.

Common Features of Archaea

No peptidoglycan in the cell wall, unique membrane lipids, extremophiles.

Biochemical Tests

Tests used to identify microorganisms through metabolic activities.

Molecular Tests

Includes PCR and rRNA sequencing for microbial identification.

Serological Tests

Laboratory tests that use antibody-based methods to identify microorganisms.

Fungi Characteristics

Heterotrophic organisms with chitin cell walls, including yeasts and molds.

Lichens

Symbiotic partnerships between fungi and algae/cyanobacteria.

Protozoa

Single-celled eukaryotes classified by motility and organelle structure.

Flatworms

Type of helminth including flukes and tapeworms.

Roundworms

Cylindrical, unsegmented helminths.

Viral Classification Factors

Genome type, capsid morphology, and host range.

Lytic Cycle

Viral replication cycle where the virus lyses the host cell.

Lysogenic Cycle

Cycle in which viral DNA integrates into the host genome.

Viral Latency

Persistence of viral genome in animal cells without active replication.

Viral Oncogenesis

Process by which viruses trigger uncontrolled cell growth.

Culturing Viruses

Methods that include in vivo (living host) and in vitro (cell cultures) techniques.

Subviral Particles

Includes viroids and prions, which cause diseases despite lacking traditional virus structures.

Key Concepts of Classification vs Taxonomy

Classification refers to descriptive categories, whereas taxonomy refers to biological ranks.

Biochemical Tests Examples

Sugar fermentation, enzyme activity tests.

Biochemical vs Molecular Tests

Biochemical tests examine metabolic processes, molecular tests analyze genetic materials.

Extremophiles

Microorganisms that thrive in extreme environmental conditions.

Prokaryotic Reproduction Methods

Binary fission and budding/spore formation.

Features of Eukaryotic Microbes

Includes protozoa, fungi, and lichens with diverse roles in ecosystems.

Importance of Microbial Classification

Critical for identification, treatment, and understanding of microorganisms.

GC Ratio in Bacteria

Ratio of guanine and cytosine in DNA, significant for classification.

Common Methods to Identify Microorganisms

Observation of morphology, motility, and life cycle stages.

Impact of Lichens on Ecosystems

Pioneers of soil formation and indicators of air quality.

DNA/RNA in Viral Classification

Viral genomes are classified as DNA or RNA, single-stranded or double-stranded.

Evidence of Viral Oncogenesis

Some viruses disrupt normal cellular functions, leading to cancer.

Microbial Ecology

Study of microorganisms' environmental interactions.

Microbial Shape and Motility

Shapes like cocci or bacilli can indicate motility methods.

The Role of Water in Growth

Essential for cellular processes across all organisms.

Nitrogen's Role in Microbial Life

Vital for the production of amino acids and nucleic acids.

Tracing Evolutionary Relationships

Molecular tests help understand the evolutionary history of microbes.