Ch. 1 - Introduction to Microbiology

Norman-McKay- Microbiology: Basic and Clinical Principles 2nd Edition

Norman-McKay2nd EditionMicrobiology: Basic and Clinical PrinciplesISBN: 9780137661619Not the one you use?Change textbook

Norman-McKay 2nd Edition

Ch. 1 - Introduction to Microbiology

Problem 8

Chapter 1, Problem 8

Assume that you isolated a unicellular, non-nucleated cell from a deep-sea vent. Select the statement that is least likely regarding the cell you found.
a. The cell is a prokaryote.
b. The cell is a fungus or yeast.
c. The cell is an archaea.
d. The cell is not a pathogen.
e. The cell is in Domain Archaea.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the key characteristics of the cell described: it is unicellular and non-nucleated. This means the cell lacks a true nucleus, which is a defining feature of prokaryotes.

Step 2: Recall that prokaryotes include bacteria and archaea, both of which are unicellular and lack a nucleus. Therefore, options stating the cell is a prokaryote or belongs to Domain Archaea are consistent with the description.

Step 3: Recognize that fungi and yeasts are eukaryotic organisms, meaning they have a true nucleus. Since the cell is non-nucleated, it cannot be a fungus or yeast, making option b unlikely.

Step 4: Consider the pathogenicity aspect: many prokaryotes, including archaea, are not pathogens, especially those from extreme environments like deep-sea vents. So, the statement that the cell is not a pathogen is plausible.

Step 5: Compare all options and identify the one that contradicts the fundamental characteristic of the cell (non-nucleated). The least likely statement is the one claiming the cell is a fungus or yeast, as these are nucleated eukaryotes.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus. Unicellular, non-nucleated cells are prokaryotes, including bacteria and archaea, whereas fungi and yeasts are eukaryotic and contain nuclei.

Characteristics of Archaea

Archaea are prokaryotic microorganisms often found in extreme environments like deep-sea vents. They have unique membrane lipids and genetic sequences distinct from bacteria, and they are classified in their own domain, separate from bacteria and eukaryotes.

Pathogenicity of Deep-Sea Microorganisms

Many microorganisms from extreme environments such as deep-sea vents are non-pathogenic to humans because they are adapted to harsh conditions unlike the human body. Pathogens typically thrive in or on hosts, so isolated extremophiles are less likely to be harmful.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Identify the following statements as observations or conclusions.

a. The solution turned red.

b. The bacterium is a rod shape.

c. The cell died due to lack of nutrients.

d. The bacterium is E. coli.

e. The cell is Gram-positive.

f. The bacterium is a pathogen.

g. There are small green structures present upon performing the endospore stain.

h. The solution remained clear after 10 hours of incubation.

i. Fermentation occurred.

j. Life comes from life.

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Textbook Question

Assume you are asked to view and draw all samples at a final magnification of 1000x. If the ocular lens is 10x, what objective lens should be in place as you draft your drawings?

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Textbook Question

A(n) ___________________ is a genetic variant of the same species.

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Textbook Question

Fill in the blanks: In taxonomy, the broadest groupings are called ___________________, which are further subdivided into six different ___________________. The most specific or narrowest grouping is ___________________, which is the ___________________ name in the binomial nomenclature system.

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Textbook Question

How is an opportunistic pathogen different from a pathogen?

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Textbook Question

Fill in the blanks: Bacteria are ___________________ cells in the domain ___________________. In contrast, the domain ___________________ includes unicellular and multicellular organisms that are made of ___________________ cells, or cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

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