Introduction to Microbes and Their Building Blocks

These flashcards cover the fundamental concepts of microbiology, including the types of microorganisms, their roles in the ecosystem, and the basics of microbial genetics and evolution.

What are the various types of microorganisms that can colonize humans?

Bacteria, Archaea, Protozoa, Fungi, Helminths, Algae, Viruses, Prions.

What is the role of microbes in the earth's ecosystem?

Microbes have shaped the development of the earth's habitat for billions of years.

What distinguishes Bacteria and Archaea from Eukaryotic microorganisms?

Bacteria and Archaea are predominantly single-celled and lack a true nucleus, whereas Eukaryotes can be single-celled or multicellular with a true nucleus.

What is the significance of the theory of evolution in microbiology?

It explains the accumulation of changes in organisms as they adapt to their environments and is supported by extensive scientific testing.

What is an acellular infectious agent studied in microbiology?

Viruses and Prions.

What is the primary difference between oxygenic and anoxygenic photosynthesis?

Oxygenic photosynthesis produces oxygen, whereas anoxygenic photosynthesis does not.

Why are most microorganisms harmless or beneficial to humans?

The vast majority of microorganisms are not pathogenic and contribute positively to human health and the environment.

What process involves manipulating the genetics of organisms?

Genetic engineering.

What are Koch's postulates?

A series of logical steps that establish whether or not an organism is pathogenic and which disease it causes.

What are the four main families of biochemicals?

Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids.

Which scientist is known for disproving spontaneous generation through his experiments?

Louis Pasteur.

What is the primary structure of proteins?

The type, number, and order of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

What is the role of ATP in cells?

ATP serves as the energy currency of the cell, providing energy for various chemical reactions.

What is the binomial nomenclature system?

A system that assigns a scientific name to organisms, combining the genus and species names.

How does the structure of nucleic acids contribute to their function?

Nucleic acids are composed of nucleotides, which carry genetic information and form the basis for DNA and RNA structure.

What is bioremediation?

The use of microbes to restore stability or clean up toxic pollutants.

What distinguishes prokaryotic from eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells possess these structures.

What are the two main types of cellular organization in microorganisms?

Bacteria and Archaea (prokaryotes); Eukaryotes.

What is the evolutionary timeline for the appearance of single-celled organisms?

Single-celled organisms appeared about 3.8 billion years ago.

What connection exists between microbes and chronic diseases?

Certain chronic diseases, such as gastric ulcers and multiple sclerosis, have been linked to persistent infections with specific microbes.