Microbiology Exam Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology from the microbiology lecture notes.

Who discovered Archaea and pioneered DNA-based studies?

Carl Woese

What are the three domains of life?

Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya

What shapes can bacteria take?

Coccus (circle), Bacillus (rod), and Spiral (e.g. Vibrio) shapes.

What is the Endosymbiont Theory?

It suggests that bigger bacteria consume smaller bacteria.

What system did Carolus Linnaeus establish?

Binomial nomenclature system.

What is an example of a disease-causing strain of E. coli?

Strain 0157:H7, which can cause human illness.

What component is found in bacterial cell walls?

Peptidoglycan.

What type of metabolism do heterotrophic bacteria rely on?

Food from outside sources.

Which bacteria are known as nitrogen-fixing bacteria?

Bacteria that convert N₂ to NH₂.

What is unique about Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

It has no cell wall and no peptidoglycan.

What process do bacteria mainly use for reproduction?

Asexual reproduction via binary fission.

What is the main characteristic of Archaea regarding their cell walls?

They contain a cell wall with pseudopeptidoglycan.

What do mycologists study?

Fungi.

What is a defining feature of fungi?

They contain a cell wall made of chitin.

What is the primary mode of metabolism for fungi?

Heterotrophic only.

What toxin is produced by Aspergillus species?

Aflatoxin.

What kind of motility does an amoeba use?

Pseudopod.

What are dinoflagellates known for?

Causing red tide and paralytic shellfish poisoning.

What defines helminths?

Parasitic worms classified by body shape.

What is the main characteristic of viruses?

They are considered non-living and obligate intracellular parasites.

What structure do capsids of viruses provide?

They house genetic material.

What is the first virus that was found?

Tobacco mosaic virus.