MI Review 1.2.1

Front

What is a plasmid?

Back

A small, circular piece of DNA found in the plasma of bacterial cells, separate from chromosomal DNA, often carrying genes that provide advantages such as antibiotic resistance.

Front

What does it mean if a bacterium is gram positive?

Back

It means the bacterium has a thick cell wall that retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure, appearing purple under a microscope.

Front

What is the function of a pilus in bacteria?

Back

A pilus is a hair-like structure that allows for the connection of two bacterial cells, facilitating the transfer of genetic material between them.

Front

What are Tetracyclines?

Back

A class of antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria by binding to the ribosomal subunit, preventing the addition of amino acids to the growing peptide chain.

Front

What are Beta-Lactams?

Back

A class of antibiotics that inhibit the synthesis of bacterial cell walls by interfering with the enzymes involved in the cross-linking of peptidoglycan.

Front

What is the role of the nucleoid in bacteria?

Back

The nucleoid is the region in a bacterial cell where the chromosomal DNA is located, not surrounded by a membrane.

Front

What is the difference between gram positive and gram negative bacteria?

Back

Gram positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer and stain purple, while gram negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane, staining pink.

Front

What is the significance of antibiotic resistance?

Back

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve mechanisms to resist the effects of drugs that once killed them or inhibited their growth, making infections harder to treat.

Front

What is the mechanism of action of Sulfonamides?

Back

Sulfonamides inhibit the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria, which is essential for DNA and RNA synthesis.

Front

What are Fluoroquinolones?

Back

A class of antibiotics that inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes critical for DNA replication.