Bacterial Classification, Nomenclature, and Morphology Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering bacterial classification, binomial nomenclature, basic shapes, cellular arrangements, pleomorphism, and size parameters based on lecture notes.

Bacterial Classification

The categorization of bacteria into groups based on their morphological, cultural, biochemical, and antigenic properties.

Classic Classification

A taxonomy system adopted from botany that organizes bacteria into kingdom, division (odjeljenje), class (klasa), order (red), family (porodica), genus (rod), and species (vrsta).

Species (Vrsta)

The basic taxonomic unit representing individuals of a single genotype with well-expressed phenotypic similarity, which can be further divided into subspecies or variants.

Strain (Soj)

A taxonomic concept that is narrower than a species.

Numerical Classification

A mathematical method of categorizing bacteria based on the number of present and absent traits.

Biochemical Classification

The classification of bacteria based on biochemical differences, which is particularly important for bacteriology.

Genetic Classification

Classification based on DNA composition, evaluating base pair frequency (most commonly G-C content), DNA homology between bacteria, and DNA-RNA similarity.

Binomial Nomenclature

The standard two-part naming system for organisms governed by international rules based on their characteristics.

Genus Name Derivations

The first part of binomial nomenclature, which can be derived from a microbiologist's name (e.g., Shigella), cell shape (e.g., Bacillus, Streptococcus), or growth factor requirements (e.g., Haemophilus).

Species Epithet Derivations

The second part of binomial nomenclature, which indicates a species trait (e.g., S. aureus), a product created in the host organism (e.g., S. pyogenes), or the disease it causes.

Four Basic Bacterial Shapes

The primary morphological forms of bacteria, which are spherical (coccus), rod-shaped (bacillus), spiral, and square.

Spherical Bacterial Shapes (Coccus)

Bacteria that can take the form of regular spheres (Streptococcus pyogenes), kidney-shaped cells (Neisseria), or candle-flame shapes (Streptococcus pneumoniae).

Single-Plane Coccal Arrangements

Arrangements resulting from division along one plane, producing single cocci, diplococci (pairs), or streptococci (chains).

Tetrads

Bacterial arrangements consisting of groups of four cocci formed by division across two planes.

Sarcinae

Bacterial arrangements consisting of cubical groups of 8 cocci formed by division across three planes.

Staphylococci

Grape-like clusters of cocci formed by division across three planes.

Rod-Shaped Bacteria (Bacillus)

Cylindrical bacteria with varied ends (rounded, straight-cut, elongated) that divide in a single plane as single cells, diplobacilli, or streptobacilli (chains).

Specific Rod Arrangements

Distinct arrangements formed by rod-shaped bacteria, such as X, Y, or Chinese letter configurations.

Comma-Shaped Spiral Bacteria

Spiral bacteria shaped like a comma, such as Vibrio and Campylobacter.

Spiral Bacteria with Regular Turns

Spiral bacteria having multiple regular turns, such as Treponema and Leptospira.

Spiral Bacteria with Irregular Turns

Spiral bacteria having multiple irregular turns, such as Borrelia.

Square Bacteria

Four-sided bacteria found in environments with high salt concentration that do not cause disease in humans.

Pleomorphism

The ability of certain bacteria to change their shape and size depending on environmental conditions, nutrient deficiency, or laboratory factors.

Bacterial Size Dimensions

Bacterial sizes range overall from $0.2 - 60\,\mu m$, with an average length of $1 - 3\,\mu m$ and a thickness of $0.2 - 2\,\mu m$.

Light Microscope

The instrument used to visually observe bacteria.