MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 1 Homework Assignment
1.Define and briefly describe the different classes of microorganisms(including the terms Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes):
1. Eukaryotes –
a. Algae –
b. Fungi –
c. Protozoans –
2. Prokaryotes –
a. Bacteria –
b. Archae –
3. Viruses –
4. Prions –
2. Define the four main types of organic molecules. Be sure to describe their function and give examples of each
a. Carbohydrates –
b. Proteins –
c. Lipids –
d. Nucleic acids –
3. What does the term PPE stand for? What are common types of PPE that are worn in the lab or hospital setting?
4. Describe two ways in which microorganisms are used in our everyday lives:
5. Identify two different types of staining techniques used with light microscopy. Describe the dyes used in these techniques and why they are used.
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 2 Homework Assignment
•Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.Describe four (4) important differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms:
2.Briefly describe the function of the following organelles:
a) Plasma membrane –
b) Glycocalyx –
c) Cell wall –
d) Nucleus –
e) Endoplasmic reticulum –
f) Golgi apparatus –
g) Lysosomes –
h) Ribosomes –
i) Peroxisomes –
j) Mitochondria –
k) Chloroplasts –
3.What is a biofilm? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of biofilms:
4.Briefly describe the process of aerobic cellular respiration. How does this process differ from anaerobic cellular respiration? How are these processes similar?
5.Briefly describe the difference between eukaryotic cell division and prokaryotic cell division. Be sure to include the name of the processes that each uses to replicate:
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 3 Homework Assignment
•Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.Define the following terms: sterilization, disinfection, and sanitization. How are each of these terms different from one another?
2.Compare and contrast selective media and differential media. Give examples of each type of media:
3.Define the following terms used to describe bacterial morphology or bacterial arrangements andgive examples of SPECIFIC organisms that are representatives of each category of MorphologyANDArrangements. For example: an example of a cocci organism is Staphylococcus aureus
a) Morphology:
1. Cocci –
2. Bacilli –
3. Vibrios
4. Spirilla
5. Spirochete–
b) Arrangements:
1. Diplo –
2. Strepto-
3. Staphlo-
4.Describe the four (4) different stages of the bacterial population growth curve:
5. Describe briefly how the following factors influence microbial growth:
a) Temperature
b) pH
c) Osmotic Pressure
d) Atmospheric conditions (presence or absence of oxygen)
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 4 Homework Assignment
•Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.Describe the different morphological types of viruses and give examples of each type:
a. Helical
b. Icosahedral
c. Complex
2.Compare and contrast the multiplication of bacteriophages versus the multiplication of animal viruses:
3.Describe how viruses can act as mechanical vectors and biological vectors:
4.Describe five (5) characteristics of fungi and how they differ from other microorganisms:
5.Describe common characteristic of protozoans (protists). Name three (3) protozoans that are human parasites:
6.What are helminths? Name and describe three (3) that can cause problems in humans:
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 5 Homework Assignment
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.Describe how microbes of the normal flora in the human body can become opportunistic pathogens. Give one (1) example of a normal flora that can become opportunistic in the body:
2.Describe three (3) common bacterial skin infections. Be sure to give the name of the specific organism that causes each and describe some common signs and symptoms of each:
3.Describe three (3) common fungal infections (mycoses) of the skin. Be sure to give the name of the specific organism that causes each and describe some common signs and symptoms of each:
4.Describe three (3) different types of respiratory infections caused by bacteria. Be sure to give the name of the specific organism that causes each and describe some common signs and symptoms of each:
5.Discuss the difference between emerging infectious diseases and reemerging infectious diseases. Give examples of each.
6.Briefly discuss and describe three (3) common viral respiratory infections. Be sure to give the name of the specific virus that causes each as well as some signs and symptoms for each:
7.Describe three (3) common fungal respiratory infectionsand the name of the specific organism that causes them as well as some signs and symptoms for each:
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 6 Homework Assignment
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.Differentiate between bacterial infection and bacterial intoxication.
2.Discuss the importance of E. coli as part of our intestinal flora.
3. Describe three (3) different types of gastrointestinal diseases caused by bacteria. Be sure to give the name of the specific organism that causes each, describe some common signs and symptoms and discuss treatment for each disease:
4. Define meningitis.Compare and contrastbetween bacterial and viral meningitis including treatment for each.
5. What is a prion? Describe the impact prions have on the human brain and discuss two prion-associated diseases in humans:
6.What is a vector-borne (vector transmitted) disease? Give an example of a vector borne disease and the vector responsible for causing it:
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 7 Homework Assignment
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.Describe three (3) functions of a normal healthy body that help prevent the occurrence of UTIs:
2.List two reasons why women are at higher risks for developing UTIs
3.Briefly describe the two-step process used to diagnose UTIs.Which organism is most often responsible for causing UTIs?
4.What is Vaginosis? List some of the members of the normal microflora of the female reproductive organs and discuss factors that may contribute to an abnormal increase in these organisms.
5.Describe and explain the primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages of syphilis:
6.Explain why a person with AIDS is more susceptible to opportunistic infections. What diseases or conditions might a person with HIV or AIDS be more susceptible to?
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 8 Homework Assignment
• Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.What are the different portals of entry for a pathogen to enter the body?
2.Define the following disease categories:
1. Endemic –
2. Sporadic –
3. Epidemic –
4. Pandemic –
3.Describe thedifference between innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Which type of immunity is specific and typically longer lasting?
4.Differentiate between active and passive types of immunity. Which type of immunity is long lasting and which is short lasting?
5.Discuss the five (5)different classes of vaccines used in active immunity.
6.Define and differentiate between hypersensitivity reactions and autoimmune disease.Gives an example of hypersensitivity reaction and an example of an autoimmune disease:
Module 9 Homework Assignment
•Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.Explain and differentiate between sterilization and commercial sterilization. What organism does commercial sterilization aim to destroy?
2.Describe three (3) differentphysical methods of controlling microbial growth:
3.Describe three (3) different chemical methods of controlling microbial growth:
4.Briefly summarize the 4 (four) different Biosafety levels. Give examples of microorganisms studied in each level:
5.What is the Kirby Bauer Disc diffusion method? How it is used to determine antibiotic efficacy?
MCB2289 Introduction to Microbiology
Module 10 Homework Assignment
•Use the information presented in the module folder along with your readings from the textbook to answer the following questions.
1.Compare the difference between a point mutation and a frameshift mutation:
2.Describe the different between vertical gene transfer and horizontal gene transfer:
3.What is conjugation? How can it contribute to antibiotic resistance in microorganisms?
4.What is a Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) or nosocomial infection? How is this different from an iatrogenic disease? How are these diseases contracted? Give examples of each type: