Microbio Lecture Exam #1

What are the microbes (microorganisms) in our lives??

We have 4 of them.

• fungi: decomposers and recyclers of nutrients

• bacteria: found in our skin and guts (flora)

• protozoa: they are the basis of the marine food chain

• viruses: responsible for recycling carbon

What do microbes/microorganisms do?

Majority helps maintain balance of living organisms and chemicals in our environment.

They produce vitamins and protect us against diseases from pathogenic bacteria.

Where are the variety of microorganisms?

They are living in and on our bodies.

What populates our bodies before birth?

bacteria populates our bodies.

What can certain microbes be harvested into?

It can be harvested into alcohol, drugs or to produce vitamins.

What are the microbes in the food industry?

Cheese, Bread, Soy Sauce

What are some examples of microbes that can be made to produce that they normally cannot make?

Human Insulin, Cellulose, or Proteins for Vaccines.

What are the differences of Eukaryotes vs Prokaryotes?

Eukaryotes are organisms that consists of cells and contain a nucleus. Whereas, Prokaryotes are organisms that do consists of cells but not a nucleus.

What are the 3 domains of life?

1. Bacteria

2. Archaea

3. Eukarya (Fungi, Protista, Animalia, Mycetae, & Plantae)

What microorganism consists of..

• Single cell

• Prokaryote

• Cell wall composed of Peptidoglycan

Bacteria

What microorganism consists of..

• Cell wall lacks peptidoglycan

• Found in extreme environments
  (extreme halophiles, extreme thermophile)

• Prokaryote

Archaea

What microorganism consists of..

• Unicellular eukaryote microbe

• Can live as a free entities or parasite

• Movement consists of pseudopods, cilia, flagella

Protozoa

What microorganism consists of..

• Unicellular yeast, Multicellular Mold & Mushroom

• Cell wall is composed of CHITIN

• Eukaryote

Fungi

What microorganism consists of..

• Parasite: Organism that derive nutrients from a living host

• Eukaryote

Animal Parasite

What microorganism consists of..

• Photosynthetic Eukaryote

• Cell wall is composed of Cellulose

• Photosynthesizers: Requires light, water and carbon dioxide.

• Produces oxygen & carbohydrates for other organisms

Algae

What microorganism consists of..

• Acellular

• Replicated using cellular machinery of other organisms

• Has a core made up of either DNA or RNA

• Core is surrounded by a protein coat sometimes encased in a lipid membrane called an envelope.

Virus

What is SYNTHESIS reaction?

When two or more molecules combine to form a larger molecule.

What is a DECOMPOSITION reaction?

When large molecules are broken into smaller molecules.

What role do buffers play when the pH substance fluctuates?

They are compounds that prevent the pH balance from becoming too acidic.

What type of compound includes sugars and starches?

Carbohydrate

What is..a monosaccharide?

Simple sugar.

What is a disaccharide?

When two monosaccharides combine.

What is polysaccharide?

When many monosaccharides combine together.

Why do they need to be broken down? (Carbohydrates..etc..)?

They need to be broken down so that it can be used into usable/functional monomers.

What is a molecule that is insoluble in water? What are they also called?

Lipids are insoluble in water. They are also called fats.

Who provides structure of membranes, cell walls, and function in energy storage?

Lipids..

Why are proteins important for cells?

Because they are essential in cell structure and function.

Who speeds up biochemical function?

Enzymes.

Who is responsible for the building blocks of protein?

Amino Acids

How are peptide bonds formed?

They are formed between two amino acids.

What does nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) consists of?

They consists of..

• A Nitrogen containing base

• Phosphate group

• Pentose Sugar - Deoxyribose or Ribose

What is ATP? (Adenosine Triphosphate)

It is the energy source for ALL cells. It provides energy needed for reactions. Consists of adenosine + 3 phosphate groups.