Microbiology Concepts and Organisms

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What is a microbe?

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A tiny organism that can only be seen under a microscope.

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How do fungi typically reproduce?

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Through the release of spores.

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What is an ectoparasite?

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An organism that lives on the surface of a host, such as a flea.

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What is an endoparasite?

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An organism that lives inside a host, such as tapeworms.

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What are pathogens?

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Microorganisms that can cause disease, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

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What is the role of bacteria in the environment?

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Bacteria decompose organic matter, recycle nutrients, and can also be involved in nitrogen fixation.

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What is a virus?

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A microscopic infectious agent that can only replicate inside the living cells of an organism.

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What is the difference between bacteria and viruses?

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Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can live independently, while viruses require a host cell to replicate.

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What is a vector in terms of disease transmission?

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An organism, often an insect, that transmits pathogens from one host to another.

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What is direct contact transmission?

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The spread of pathogens through physical interaction between individuals.