Microorganisms Quiz: Questions And Answers

Decomposing microorganisms play a crucial role in ecosystems by recycling nutrients back into the soil for other organisms to use. When organic matter such as dead plants and animals decompose, these microorganisms break them down into simpler forms, releasing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon back into the soil. These nutrients are then available for uptake by plants, which form the base of the food chain. Thus, decomposing microorganisms facilitate nutrient cycling and provide a vital link between dead organic matter and the rest of the ecosystem.

All of the above microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, are used in biotechnology and research. Bacteria are widely used in various biotechnological processes such as genetic engineering, production of antibiotics, and biofuel production. Fungi are used for the production of enzymes, antibiotics, and various biotechnological products. Viruses are utilized in research for studying molecular biology, gene therapy, and vaccine development. Therefore, all three types of microorganisms play a crucial role in biotechnology and research.

Fungi are decomposers because they breakdown dead tissues. Fungi play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter such as dead plants and animals. They secrete enzymes that help them break down complex organic compounds into simpler forms, which can then be absorbed by the fungi. This process of decomposition helps to recycle nutrients back into the environment and is essential for the continuation of the nutrient cycle.

The correct answer is "Rod-shaped" because bacillus bacteria are known for their elongated, cylindrical shape. They appear as small rods or cylinders under a microscope, which distinguishes them from other bacterial shapes such as spherical or spiral. This shape allows them to efficiently move and divide, making them well-suited for various environments and modes of transmission.

Microorganisms can make us sick by disrupting natural cell processes and releasing toxins that harm our cells. These processes can lead to various illnesses and diseases. Disrupting natural cell processes can interfere with the normal functioning of our body, while the release of toxins can directly damage our cells and tissues. Therefore, both options A and B are correct explanations for how microorganisms can make us sick.

Malaria is caused by the protist plasmodium, which is transmitted through the bite of a female mosquito. Cholera is caused by a bacterium and is typically transmitted through contaminated food or water. Dengue is caused by a virus and is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Sleeping sickness is caused by a parasite and is transmitted through the bite of infected tsetse flies. Therefore, the correct answer is Malaria.

Yeast is a type of fungi. Fungi are a diverse group of organisms that include yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. Yeasts are single-celled fungi that reproduce through a process called budding. They are used in baking bread because they produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes the dough to rise. Yeasts are also used in the fermentation process to produce alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine.

Bacteria help our bodies function by assisting in the digestion of food in the intestines. They play a crucial role in breaking down complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that our bodies cannot digest on their own. Bacteria in the gut produce enzymes that aid in the breakdown of these nutrients, allowing our bodies to absorb them and obtain the necessary energy and nutrients. This helps to maintain a healthy digestive system and ensures proper nutrient absorption for overall bodily function.

Microorganisms help in the production of dairy products by aiding in the fermentation process. During fermentation, microorganisms such as bacteria and yeasts convert lactose, the sugar present in milk, into lactic acid. This acidification process gives dairy products their characteristic taste and texture. Additionally, certain bacteria produce enzymes that break down proteins in milk, resulting in the formation of curds in cheese production. Fermentation also helps to preserve dairy products by creating an acidic environment that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, thus preventing spoilage.

Keeping the orange in the refrigerator can prevent the mold from growing onto it because mold thrives in warm and damp environments. Refrigeration slows down the growth of mold by creating a colder and drier environment, making it less likely for mold spores to develop and spread on the orange.

All of the above enzymes, lipase, lactase, and protease, are derived using microbes. Microbes such as bacteria and fungi are commonly used in biotechnology to produce enzymes through fermentation processes. Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down lipids, lactase breaks down lactose (a sugar found in milk), and protease breaks down proteins. These enzymes are important in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and detergents, and are produced on a large scale using microbial fermentation techniques.

Bacteria cause tumors in plants and animals, which is not a useful effect of bacteria. Tumors are abnormal growths that can be harmful to the organisms they affect. On the other hand, bacteria can manufacture food, which is beneficial for many organisms. Bacteria are also sources of antibiotics, which are crucial for treating various infections. Additionally, bacteria play a vital role in decomposing dead bodies, aiding in the recycling of nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Microorganisms can form all three types of symbiotic relationships. In mutualism, both the microorganism and the host benefit from the relationship. In commensalism, the microorganism benefits while the host is unaffected. In parasitism, the microorganism benefits at the expense of the host. Therefore, all of the mentioned options are correct as microorganisms can form all three types of symbiotic relationships.

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that lack chlorophyll and cannot produce their own food through photosynthesis. Instead, they depend on dead or decaying organic matter for their nutrition. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by decomposing dead organisms and recycling nutrients back into the environment. Fungi can be found in various habitats, including soil, water, and even on living organisms as parasites.

The statement "All types of fungi are beneficial" is not true because not all types of fungi are beneficial. While some fungi are beneficial, such as those that help decompose organic matter and those used in the production of food and medicine, there are also many types of fungi that are harmful. For example, certain fungi can cause diseases in plants, animals, and humans, such as athlete's foot and ringworm. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that all types of fungi are beneficial.

Heterotrophic bacteria play an important role in the biosphere by decomposing decayed organic matter. They break down dead plants, animals, and other organic materials, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem. This process is crucial for nutrient cycling and recycling, as it allows the nutrients to be reused by other organisms. Without the decomposition of organic matter by heterotrophic bacteria, dead material would accumulate and nutrients would become locked away, limiting the availability of resources for other organisms in the ecosystem.

The reason for placing bacteria and blue-green algae in the same kingdom is that both are prokaryotic organisms. Prokaryotes are characterized by the absence of a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Bacteria and blue-green algae are both simple, single-celled organisms that lack a true nucleus. This similarity in cellular structure and organization justifies their classification in the same kingdom.

A one-celled organism that lacks a true nucleus would belong to Kingdom Monera. This kingdom includes bacteria, which are prokaryotic organisms that do not have a nuclear membrane. In contrast, organisms in Kingdom Animalia, Kingdom Fungi, and Kingdom Plantae are eukaryotic, meaning they have a true nucleus surrounded by a nuclear membrane. Therefore, the correct answer is Kingdom Monera.

Amoeba is a protist that has pseudopodia. Pseudopodia are temporary extensions of the cell membrane that are used for movement and capturing food. Amoebas extend their pseudopodia in the direction they want to move and then pull the rest of their body towards it. This allows them to move in a flowing manner. Euglena, Paramecium, and Dinoflagellates do not have pseudopodia. Euglena uses a whip-like tail called a flagellum to move, Paramecium uses hair-like structures called cilia, and Dinoflagellates have two flagella for movement.

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites: This is true. Viruses cannot reproduce or carry out metabolic processes on their own. They need to infect a host cell and use its machinery to replicate.

Viruses can contain either DNA or RNA: Also true! Some viruses use DNA as their genetic blueprint, while others use RNA.

Viruses can infect a wide range of organisms: Definitely true. Viruses can infect all sorts of life forms.

Viruses are capable of independent metabolism and reproduction: This is the false statement. Viruses lack the necessary structures and enzymes for metabolism or independent reproduction. They rely entirely on the host cell for these functions.

Euglena, paramecium, amoeba, and plasmodium are all unicellular organisms that move and locomote in different ways. Euglena has a whip-like tail called a flagellum that allows it to move, paramecium moves using tiny hair-like structures called cilia, amoeba moves by extending and retracting its pseudopods, and plasmodium is non-motile. Therefore, the best way to classify these organisms is based on their locomotory structure.

A protist is a eukaryotic organism, meaning it has a true nucleus that contains its genetic material. Monerans, on the other hand, are prokaryotic organisms that lack a nucleus. Therefore, the presence of a nucleus is a characteristic that distinguishes protists from monerans.

Sporangium is the correct answer because it refers to the dark structure at the tip of bread mold when observed under a microscope. A sporangium is a specialized structure that produces and contains spores, which are responsible for the reproduction of bread mold. The other options, hyphae, mycelium, and rhizoid, are different structures involved in the growth and development of fungi, but they do not specifically refer to the dark structure at the tip of bread mold.

Penicillin is derived from fungi. Fungi, such as the Penicillium mold, produce penicillin as a natural defense mechanism against bacteria. This antibiotic has been widely used for treating various bacterial infections since its discovery in 1928 by Alexander Fleming. Fungi are known to produce a wide range of bioactive compounds, and penicillin is one of the most well-known and widely used examples of a fungal-derived antibiotic.

Dinoflagellates are a type of single-celled organisms that can cause red tides. These organisms have the ability to produce pigments, including red pigments, which give the water a reddish color during a bloom. Red tides can be harmful to marine life and humans, as some dinoflagellates produce toxins that can be detrimental to the health of organisms in the water. Therefore, the presence of dinoflagellates and their red pigments is a characteristic feature of red tides.

Agar, the growth medium for bacteria, is derived from red algae. Agar is a gelatinous substance that provides a solid surface for bacteria to grow on. It is extracted from the cell walls of certain species of red algae, specifically from the polysaccharide called agarose. The unique properties of agar make it an ideal substance for culturing bacteria in laboratories. It is widely used in microbiology to culture and study various types of bacteria.

Bacteria are important to the nitrogen cycle because they have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can use. This process is known as nitrogen fixation and it allows plants to obtain the necessary nitrogen they need for growth and development. Without bacteria, atmospheric nitrogen would be unavailable to plants and the nitrogen cycle would be disrupted. The other options mentioned in the question, such as becoming charged by lightning and releasing energy into the soil or using nitrogen to make energy for other living organisms, are not directly related to the role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle.

Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. It aids in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, particularly proteins and fats, by helping to produce enzymes that break down food. Therefore, it helps in digestion in humans.

Strep throat and tuberculosis are both diseases caused by bacteria in humans. Strep throat is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, which infects the throat and tonsils, causing symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing. Tuberculosis is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body. It causes symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, fatigue, and weight loss. HIV and flu, on the other hand, are caused by a virus (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and a group of viruses (influenza viruses) respectively, not bacteria.