Microbiology Flashcards (copy)

What is the estimated age of the Earth?

4.6 billion years.

When did microbial cells appear on Earth?

Approximately 3.8-3.9 billion years ago.

What types of microorganisms survived the first 2 billion years?

Only anaerobic microbes.

What are the three domains of life?

Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

What distinguishes Archaea from Bacteria?

Archaea are genetically distinct from bacteria but similar in structure and often found in extreme environments.

What characterizes Eukarya?

Organisms with complex cells and membrane-bound organelles, including kingdoms like Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, and Protista.

What are prokaryotic cells?

Cells with simpler structures, no true nucleus, typically smaller, and reproduce asexually.

What distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

What is the role of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus?

They play critical roles in protein synthesis and processing, found only in eukaryotic cells.

What are pathogens?

Harmful microorganisms that cause infections.

What are opportunistic pathogens?

Microorganisms that are generally harmless but can cause illness in immunocompromised individuals.

What impact have advances in sanitation had on infectious diseases?

They have significantly reduced mortality from infectious diseases.

What is Staphylococcus aureus?

A common pathogen responsible for skin infections that can be carried asymptomatically by 20-30% of the population.

What is Candida albicans?

A yeast that can cause severe infections in immunocompromised individuals.

What is nitrogen fixation?

The process by which Rhizobium bacteria convert atmospheric N2 into usable NH3 for plants.

What role do microorganisms play in ruminant digestion?

They facilitate digestion and nutrient absorption, affecting overall health.

What is significant about the gastrointestinal tract in the Human Microbiome Project?

It exhibits the highest diversity of microbiomes, impacting health and disease predisposition.

How does microbiology contribute to the food industry?

Through fermentation processes that produce goods like beer, yogurt, and bread.

What are some applications of biotechnology in microbiology?

Genetic engineering for the production of pharmaceuticals, such as insulin.

What is fundamental to understanding microbiology?

The significant differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.

Why are real-world applications important in microbiology?

They provide a comprehensive understanding of microbiological principles.