microbiology

• What will be examined during this lecture on microbiology?

  The origins and diversity of microbial life
• What are the important structural features of the bacterial cell envelope?

  It includes the cell wall and membrane
• What is the title of the reading material by Madigan et al.?

  Brock Biology of Micro-organisms
• Who is the author of the lecture on microbiology?

  1. Alex Robinson
• What are the types of microorganisms mentioned?

  Viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa
• What are obligate intracellular parasites?

  Viruses and some bacteria like Rickettsia
• What is the role of Lactobacillus acidophilus?

  It protects us against infection
• What is the function of the bacterial flagellum?

  It enables bacterial movement
• What is the difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria?

  Gram-positive has a thick peptidoglycan layer
• What is the basic subunit of peptidoglycan?

  Glycan chains cross-linked by peptides
• What is the purpose of the Gram stain?

  To differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
• How do bacteria generate energy?

  Through the electron transport chain
• What is the role of the cytoplasmic membrane in bacteria?

  It permits selective uptake and efflux of solutes
• What are fimbriae?

  Fine hair-like structures important for adhesion
• What are spores in bacteria?

  Highly resistant structures for survival
• What is the composition of bacterial capsules?

  Colanic acid and/or polypeptides
• What is lipopolysaccharide (LPS)?

  It is an endotoxin in Gram-negative bacteria
• What are biofilms?

  Surface-associated communities of microorganisms
• Where can biofilms be found?

  Ponds, teeth, and industrial pipes
• What is the mortality rate associated with septic shock from LPS?

  30% in early stage, 80-90% later
• What are the key differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

  • Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus
  • Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus
  • Eukaryotic cells are generally larger
  • Prokaryotic cells are usually unicellular
• What are the important features of the bacterial cell wall?

  • Rigid structure
  • Protects against osmotic shock
  • Controls substance uptake and release
  • Contains transport systems
• What are the types of flagellation in bacteria?

  • Monotrichous
  • Lophotrichous
  • Amphitrichous
  • Peritrichous
• What are the functions of bacterial capsules?

  • Prevent phagocytosis
  • Aid in adherence
  • Help prevent desiccation
  • Serve as virulence factors
• What are the characteristics of spores in bacteria?

  • Highly resistant structures
  • Survive harsh conditions
  • Not a reproductive process
  • Common in Clostridium and Bacillus
• What are the symptoms of septic shock caused by LPS?

  • Low-grade fever
  • Shock
  • Intravascular coagulation
  • Multiple organ failure
• What is the significance of the electron transport chain in bacteria?

  • Maximizes energy efficiency
  • Uses multiple electron acceptors
  • Generates ATP
  • Creates an electrochemical gradient
• What type of cell wall do Gram-negative bacteria have?

  Complex outer membrane
• What is a characteristic of the Gram-negative cell wall?

  It has a thin layer of peptidoglycan
• What is lipopolysaccharide classified as?

  Endotoxin
• What are the symptoms of septic shock caused by lipopolysaccharide?

  Fever, shock, and multiple organ failure
• Why is lipopolysaccharide significant for the immune system?

  It signals the immune system to detect bacteria
• What are biofilms?

  • Surface-associated communities of microorganisms
  • Can be single species or complex communities
• Where can biofilms be found in nature?

  Ponds, streams, and thermal springs
• What is a common location for biofilms in the human body?

  Teeth and heart valves
• What is the doubling time for E. coli?

  20 minutes
• How many cells would E. coli produce after 1 hour starting from one cell?

  8 cells
• How many cells would E. coli produce after 6 hours starting from one cell?

  260,000 cells
• What limits bacterial growth despite rapid reproduction?

  Nutrients and waste products
• What are the phases of the bacterial growth curve?

  1. Lag phase
  2. Log/exponential phase
  3. Stationary phase
  4. Death phase