Skip to main content
Back

Microbiology: Eukaryotic Reproduction, Protozoa, Fungi, Algae, and Vectors

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/14
  • Why is eukaryotic reproduction more complex than prokaryotic reproduction?
    Eukaryotic reproduction involves mitosis or meiosis with multiple chromosomes and organelles, while prokaryotes reproduce mainly by binary fission, a simpler process without a nucleus.
  • Contrast mitosis with meiosis.
    Mitosis produces two identical diploid cells for growth or repair; meiosis produces four genetically diverse haploid cells for sexual reproduction.
  • Differentiate between nuclear division, cytokinesis, and schizogony.
    Nuclear division is the division of the nucleus; cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm; schizogony is multiple nuclear divisions before cytoplasmic division, producing many daughter cells.
  • How has the classification of major eukaryotic groups changed from past to present?
    Past classification was based on morphology; present classification uses molecular data, leading to redefined groups and recognition of new clades.
  • Name three characteristics shared by all protozoa.
    Protozoa are unicellular, eukaryotic, and heterotrophic organisms that often move using cilia, flagella, or pseudopods.
  • Why are there many different taxonomic schemes for protozoa?
    Protozoa are diverse in form, life cycles, and genetics, making classification complex and leading to multiple schemes based on different criteria.
  • What features distinguish fungi from other eukaryotes?
    Fungi have chitin in their cell walls, absorb nutrients by external digestion, and reproduce via spores.
  • Compare the three divisions of fungi based on sexual spore formation.
    Zygomycota form zygospores, Ascomycota form ascospores in sacs, and Basidiomycota form basidiospores on club-shaped structures.
  • What are the distinguishing characteristics of the four groups of algae?
    Groups differ by pigment types, cell wall composition, storage products, and habitat; examples include green, red, brown algae, and diatoms.
  • How do water molds differ from true fungi?
    Water molds have cellulose in their cell walls and produce motile spores, unlike true fungi which have chitin walls and non-motile spores.
  • Why do microbiologists study large organisms such as parasitic worms?
    Because parasitic worms cause diseases and have microbial life stages important for understanding infection and control.
  • What are the distinctive features of various groups of arthropod vectors?
    Arthropod vectors differ in morphology, feeding habits, and the pathogens they transmit, including mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.
  • Name common diseases transmitted by arthropod vectors.
    Malaria, Lyme disease, dengue fever, and plague are examples of diseases spread by arthropod vectors.
  • How does UV light slow or eliminate bacterial growth?
    UV light damages bacterial DNA, causing mutations that inhibit replication and can kill the cells.