Microbiology TAMU Exam 1 Latest Update Graded A

Microbiology TAMU Exam 1 Latest Update Graded A microorganisms organisms that are too small to be seen with an unaided eye microbes in our lives 1% pathogenic decompose organic waste produces by photosynthesis industrial chemicals fermentation outnumber us What are some eukaryotic cells? fungi, protozoans, algae What are some prokaryotes? bacteria, viruses(not a cell) What word describes that microbes are everywhere, all around us? they are ubiquitous What is an example of a microbe? polar bear hairs are hollow in warmer weather- microorganisms, algae & cyanobacteria gets in hair and turns it green Microbial Ecology part of ecosystem bacteria recycle carbon, nutrients, sulfur and phosphorus that can be used by plants and animals use photosynthesis- ocean/freshwater to produce energy- make carbon compounds which serve as a food source, bottom link of food chain Bioremediation process that used naturally occurring or genetically engineered microorganisms What does bacteria do in bioremediation? degrade organic matter in sewage or detoxify pollutants such as oil and mercury outcome: detoxify/reduces toxicity What are some examples of bioremediation? few species of bacteria (pseudomonas sp.) can use crude oil for energy, cleaning up oil spills in ocean What is a real life example of bioremediation? April 20, 2010 BP oil spill in Gulf June- scientist sample oil blume at 3600 ft below surface, 100x, find oil degrading August- short chain hydrocarbons gone, bacteria still more damaging long chain carbons present, study these bacteria- identify their oil by degrading enzymes What did they use on the gulf? used dispertants/absorbant booms, sink down oil globs, more surface area for bacteria to break it down Bioremediation of Landfills 300 metric tons of trash and waste deposited into environment each yr. -successful remediation needs microbes/bacteria + H2O + O2 -ground water, which is the primary source of drinking for many is often polluted Waste management by Bioremediation use of microbes to breakdown or remove toxic wastes in water and soil, uses pesticides reduced by 96% solvents reduced from 1 million ppb to 10pph, heavy metals detoxified How to microbes interact with plants? they make nitrogen available to plants N2- not form that can be used by most organisms -bacteria can metabolize N2-NO2 & NH4 (ammonia) -these forms can be used by nitrate plants -???? How do microbes aid in the digestive process of grazing animals? bacteria in gut breakdown cellulose to usable compounds in animals, produce necessary enzymes Microbes as biopesticides -bacillus thurginiensis(bacterium)- toxic to insects that that ingest them, produces spores and crystals, insects ingests crystal- activated and breaks down digestive tract, harmless to other organisms, found in commercial dusts, chops caterpillar up on inside Biotechnology use of microbes to produce foods and chemicals, is centuries old -fermentation processes -industrial processes -medical