General Bacteriology SEQs Key

General bacteriology SEQs Key
Q.1.A.What are biofilms? (1)
.B. What are the three mechanisms responsible for the genetic basis of resistance of bacteria against
drugs? Outline each briefly. (1x3=3)
.C. Define anamnestic response. (1)
1.A. Chapter 7, Page 37

After the bacteria attach, they often form a protective matrix called a biofilm consisting of various
polysaccharides and proteins. Biofilms form especially on foreign bodies such as prosthetic joints,
prosthetic heart valves.
Biofilms protect bacteria from both antibiotics and host immune defenses.
They also retard wound healing.
.B. Chapter 11, Page 88 & 89

Chromosome mediated resistance.
Plasmid mediated resistance.
Transposon mediated resistance.
.C. Chapter 8, Page 57
An important advantage of active immunity is that an anamnestic (secondary) response occurs (i.e.,
there is a rapid response [approximately 3 days] of large amounts of antibody to an antigen that the
immune system has previously encountered).
2. Death of microorganism occurs at a certain rate, dependent primarily upon two variables; the concentration of
the killing agent and the length of time it is applied. The rate of killing is defined by the relationship
N x 1 / CT
a. Explain the above mentioned relationship in detail. (2) (The equation shows that the number of survivors, N, is
inversely proportionate to the concentration of the agent, C, and the time of application of the agent, T.
Collectively, CT is often referred to as the dose. Stated alternatively, the number of microorganisms killed is
directly proportionate to CT. The relationship is usually stated in terms of survivors, as they are easily measured by
colony formation. Death is defined as the inability to reproduce. In certain circumstances, the physical remains of
dead bacteria can still cause problems)
b. What is the difference between sterilization and disinfection? (1)
c. What is tyndallisation? (2) (Tyndallization is a process dating from the nineteenth century
for sterilizing substances, usually food, named after its inventor, scientist John Tyndall. It is still occasionally used. A
simple, effective, sterilizing method used today is to heat the substance being sterilized to 121°C for 15 minutes in
a pressured system. If sterilization under pressure is not possible because of lack of equipment, or the need to
sterilize something that will not withstand the higher temperature, unpressurized heating at a temperature of up
to 100°C, the boiling point of water, may be used. The heat will kill the bacterial cells, but bacterial spores capable
of later germinating into bacterial cells may survive. Tyndallization can be used to destroy the spores.
Tyndallization essentially consists of heating the substance to boiling point (or just a little below boiling point) and
holding it there for 15 minutes, three days in succession. After each heating, the resting period will allow spores
that have survived to germinate into bacterial cells; these cells will be killed by the next day's heating. During the
resting periods the substance being sterilized is kept in a moist environment at a warm room temperature,
conducive to germination of the spores. When the environment is favorable for bacteria, it is conducive to the
germination of cells from spores, and spores do not form from cells in this environment. The Tyndallization
process is usually effective in practice. But it is not considered totally reliable—some spores may survive and later
germinate and multiply. It is not often used today, but is used for sterilizing some things that cannot withstand
pressurized heating, such as plant seeds)
3. A patient presents with weight loss and fever. A physical exam reveals massive hepatosplenomegaly with
associated oedema, as well as hyperpigmented skin patches. The doctor orders a CBC and spleen biopsy. CBC
reveals thrombocytopenia, anaemia, and leukopenia, while spleen biopsy shows macrophages containing
protozoa. The doctor begins the patient on an antimony compound.
a. Name the disease and the causative organism. (1) (Kala Azar, Leishmania donovani)
b. What do you mean by TORCHES? (2) (Organisms that cross placenta and therefore allow infection to pass from
pregnant mother to fetus: Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes, HIV, and Syphilis)
c. Compare in a tabulated for the process of conjugation, transduction, and transformation. (2)
Transfer Process Type of cells Nature of DNA Transferred
Procedure involved
Conjugation DNA transferred from one Prokaryotic Chromosomal or plasmid
bacterium to another
Transduction DNA transferred by a virus Prokaryotic Any gene in generalized
from one cell to another transduction; only certain
genes in specialized
transduction
Transformation Purified DNA taken up by a Prokaryotic or Any DNA
cell eukaryotic (e.g.
human)
4. Spores are highly resistant resting phase of bacteria formed during abnormal environmental
conditions?
a. Describe the process of sporulation and germination of spores in detail. (3)

b. Draw and label the structure of an endospore. (1 ½)
c. What are the various shapes and positions of spores in a bacterium? Give example of each. (1 ½)
5. Bacterial cells, like other living cells are metabolically active. Bacterial growth means balanced
increase in the mass of all cellular constituents. When the growth reaches a critical mass, cell division
occurs.
a. Describe the modes of bacterial cell division. (2)

b. What is bacterial growth curve? Draw and explain its various phase. (3)

General Bacteriology SEQs Key

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General bacteriology SEQs Key

Q.1.A.What are biofilms? (1)

.C. Define anamnestic response. (1)

1.A. Chapter 7, Page 37

.B. Chapter 11, Page 88 & 89

a. Describe the process of sporulation and germination of spores in detail. (3)

a. Describe the modes of bacterial cell division. (2)

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