Microbiology Exam 2 Study Guide - Spring 2022

A collection of practice flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to microbial biology.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the primary energy carrier in cells.

Aerobic respiration

A process that requires oxygen to produce energy.

Anaerobic respiration

A process that does not require oxygen to produce energy.

Fermentation

The metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen.

Electron transport chain

A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons through a membrane to create ATP.

Amphibolism

The combination of anabolic and catabolic processes in metabolism.

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

Chromosome

A structure made of DNA and proteins that contains genetic information.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an organism.

Phenotype

The observable traits or characteristics of an organism.

Eukaryotic genome

The complete set of DNA in a eukaryotic organism, containing multiple linear chromosomes.

Prokaryotic genome

The complete set of DNA in a prokaryotic organism, typically a single circular chromosome.

Viral genome

The genetic material of a virus, which can be DNA or RNA.

DNA replication

The process of copying DNA to create two identical molecules.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies an amino acid.

Operon

A functioning unit of genomic DNA containing a cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter.

Horizontal gene transfer

The transfer of genetic material between organisms in a manner other than traditional reproduction.

Conjugation

A type of horizontal gene transfer involving direct contact between bacteria.

Transduction

A type of horizontal gene transfer where DNA is transferred from one bacterium to another by a virus.

Transformation

A type of horizontal gene transfer in which bacteria take up free DNA from their environment.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can alter the function of genes.

Restriction endonucleases

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify a specific DNA segment.

Gel electrophoresis

A method used to separate DNA fragments based on their size.

Gene cloning

The process of making multiple copies of a gene.

Vector

A DNA molecule used to carry foreign genetic material into another cell.

CRISPR

A powerful tool for genetic engineering that allows for precise editing of DNA.

Essential nutrient

A nutrient that organisms must obtain from their environment because they cannot synthesize it.

Macronutrient

Nutrients required in larger amounts for growth and development.

Micronutrient

Nutrients required in smaller amounts for organism's metabolism.

Heterotroph

An organism that cannot produce its own food and relies on consuming other organisms.

Autotroph

An organism that produces its own food from inorganic sources.

Phototroph

An organism that captures light energy to produce food.

Chemotroph

An organism that obtains energy from chemical compounds.

Saprobe

An organism that feeds on dead or decaying organic matter.

Parasite

An organism that lives in or on another organism (the host) and benefits at the host's expense.

Passive transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy.

Active transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane using energy.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells engulf materials from their environment.

Pinocytosis

A form of endocytosis where the cell takes in liquid from the surrounding environment.

Phagocytosis

A form of endocytosis where the cell engulfs solid particles.

Symbiosis

A close relationship between two different organisms.

Mutualism

A type of symbiosis where both organisms benefit.

Commensalism

A type of symbiosis where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Parasitism

A type of symbiosis where one organism benefits at the expense of the other.

Antagonism

Interactions between organisms that are harmful to one another.

Synergism

Interactions between organisms that are beneficial to one another.

Biofilm

A complex aggregation of microorganisms growing on a solid substrate.

Microbial growth curve

A graphical representation of the growth of a microbial population over time.

Anabolism

The biosynthetic phase of metabolism where simple substances are synthesized into more complex molecules.

Catabolism

The metabolic process that breaks down larger molecules into smaller ones to release energy.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in cells.

Denaturation

The process in which proteins lose their structure and function due to external stressors.

Inhibition

The process of reducing the activity of an enzyme.

Exergonic reaction

A chemical reaction that releases energy.

Endergonic reaction

A chemical reaction that absorbs energy.

Redox reaction

A reaction involving the transfer of electrons between two species.

Reduced substance

A substance that gains electrons in a redox reaction.

Oxidized substance

A substance that loses electrons in a redox reaction.