guide 1 Questions and Answers
What is a Microorganism and what living things fall into this catagory? -
answermicroscopic organisms that are not observed without magnification.
i.e. bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, algae, helminths
What role do microbes play in nutrient cycling? - answermicrobes such as bacteria and
fungi help to decompose or breakdown dead matter and wastes into simple compounds
that can be used by other living things
How are prokayotic cells different from eukaryotic cells? - answerProkaryotic cells have
no nucleus and the DNA is free floating.
Eukaryotic cells have DNA inside nucleus and organelles
What microbes are prokaryotes and which are eukaryotes? - answerBacteria is a
prokaryote.
Algae, fungi, protozoa, and helminths are eukaryotes
Viruses are *not* a cell, but they are microscopic and cause diseases. they are small
particles.
What was the theory of spontaneous generation? - answerA theory that certain living
things arose from vital forces present in non-living or decomposing matter.
What is taxonomy? - answerformal system of organizing, classifying, and naming living
things
What are the seven major taxa? - answerKingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
In the binomial system of nomenclature, what are the two components of an organism's
scientific name, and how is this name commonly written ? - answerThe scientific name
is a combination of the generic (genus) name followed by the species name. The
generic name is capitalized and the species part begins with a lowercase letter.
, Outline the important contributions microorganisms make to the earth's ecosystems -
answer- Shaped the development of earth's habitats and influenced the evolution of
other life forms
- scientists study microorganisms and their relationship with ecological things such as
soil and water
-much of earth's greenhouse gases are produced by microorganisms
- microorganisms are a major contribution to weathering, mineral extraction, and soil
fermentation
- microorganisms assist plants with getting nutrients and water and protect against
diseases
Identify the groups of microorganisms included in the scope of microbiology, and
explain the criteria for including these groups in the field. - answerBacteria, Fungi,
Algae, Viruses, Protozoa, Helminths.
Mostly deals with things that can only be viewed under a microscope;
Protozoa & Helminths aren't microscopic, but they can carry diseases *that would
require a microscope* to observe them.
Distinguish between emerging diseases and reemerging infectious diseases and
explain what factors contribute to their development - answerEmerging- newly identified
conditions that are being reported in increasing numbers
Reemerging- older, well known diseases that are increasing in occurance
- The capacity of microbes to adapt to alterations in the individual, community, and
environment contribute to their development.
What is a hypothesis? - answera tentative explanation of what has been observed or
measured.
What is a theory? - answera collection of statements, propositions, or concepts that
explains or accounts for a natural event.
What is the main difference between a theory and a hypothesis? - answera hypothesis
is a *suggested* explanation to something
a theory has been *tested* and *well proven*
What is a law? - answerA theory that has stood true under numerous tests and scrutiny
and has become so true that it can be thought of as a law
What are the 5 commonly recognized kingdoms and what types of organisms are
grouped into each one? - answerPlants (plantae) - angiosperms, gymnosperms, ferns,
mosses, seed plants