Micro - organisms & applications

• What is the application of microorganisms?

  Used in medicine, agriculture, and food production
• What technique is used to grow microorganisms?

  Aseptic technique
• What is the structure of a virus?

  Consists of genetic material and a protein coat
• How do diseases spread?

  Through direct contact, air, or vectors
• What is the immune system's role?

  To defend against pathogens
• What are antigens?

  Substances that trigger an immune response
• How do phagocytes function in the immune system?

  They engulf and digest pathogens
• What is the role of lymphocytes?

  Produce antibodies and memory cells
• What do antibodies do?

  Neutralize or destroy pathogens
• How can diseases be prevented?

  By vaccination and practicing hygiene
• What are superbugs?

  Antibiotic-resistant bacteria
• Why are some antibiotics ineffective?

  Because bacteria have become resistant
• What is the purpose of screening hospital patients?

  To prevent the spread of infections
• What is the significance of testing medical drugs?

  To ensure safety and efficacy in humans
• What are monoclonal antibodies?

  Laboratory-made antibodies that mimic immune response
• What are the features of the immune system's defense mechanisms?

  • Phagocytes engulf pathogens
  • Lymphocytes produce antibodies
  • Memory cells provide long-term immunity
• What are the methods of disease prevention?

  • Vaccination
  • Good hygiene practices
  • Use of condoms to prevent STDs
• What are the implications of antibiotic resistance?

  • Increased difficulty in treating infections
  • Higher medical costs
  • Greater risk of disease spread
• What is the process of drug testing?

  1. Testing on animals
  2. Clinical trials on humans
  3. Monitoring for side effects
• What are the consequences of not screening hospital patients?

  • Increased risk of infection spread
  • Complications in patient recovery
  • Higher healthcare costs
• Why are micro-organisms easier to increase in population numbers?

  They can grow rapidly under suitable conditions
• What can be seen with the naked eye in relation to bacteria?

  Bacterial colonies
• What are aseptic techniques used for?

  • Reduce contamination from other micro-organisms
  • Ensure purity of samples
• How do bacteria reproduce?

  From a single cell through binary fission
• What should you do to avoid contamination of samples?

  Sterilize all equipment before and after use
• What is the purpose of incinerating tools in a Bunsen burner flame?

  To kill any bacteria present
• Why is it important to flame the rim of the culture bottle?

  To create an updraft preventing contamination
• What is the effect of temperature on bacterial growth?

  • Bacteria grow fastest at warm temperatures
  • High temperatures can kill bacteria
  • Low temperatures decrease growth rate
• How is food preserved to slow the growth of micro-organisms?

  By refrigerating it
• What happens when food is frozen?

  It stops microbial growth
• What is penicillin?

  An antibiotic produced by Penicillium fungus
• How can penicillin be prepared?

  Using a fermenter
• What is the optimum temperature for penicillin production?

  23°C-28°C
• What type of respiration does Penicillium require?

  Aerobic respiration
• What is the optimum pH for penicillin production?

  Around 8.5
• What nutrient levels are required for penicillin production?

  Low nutrient levels
• What are the conditions for optimal penicillin production?

  • Temperature: 23°C-28°C
  • Oxygen: Requires aerobic conditions
  • pH: Optimum around 8.5
  • Nutrient levels: Remain low