What is the definition of microbial growth?
An increase in size, mass, or number of cells in micro-organisms.
How do bacteria reproduce?
By binary fission, a form of asexual reproduction.
What is the generation time in bacterial growth?
The time required for a single cell to divide into two.
Name the four stages of bacterial growth.
Lag phase, exponential (log) phase, stationary phase, and death phase.
What occurs during the exponential phase of bacterial growth?
Rapid reproduction and exponential increase in numbers.
How can bacterial growth be measured using turbidity?
By observing the cloudiness in a liquid medium, measurable with a spectrophotometer.
Give one benefit of bacteria in nature.
They help maintain cycles like the nitrogen and carbon cycles.
What role do bacteria play in herbivore digestion?
They digest cellulose in the rumen of animals like cattle and sheep.
Name one industrial use of bacteria.
Bacteria are used in the curdling of milk, brewing of wine, and cheese production.
What is a harmful effect of bacteria?
They can cause food spoilage and decay.
Name the four types of disease-causing micro-organisms.
Bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa.
How do viruses reproduce inside host cells?
By taking over the cell’s activities to replicate themselves.
Name two ways micro-organisms spread diseases.
Through contaminated food and water or air transmission.
What disease is caused by Vibrio cholerae?
Cholera.
Name the pathogen responsible for tuberculosis.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
How is malaria transmitted?
By bites from female Anopheles mosquitoes.
What is the pathogen for HIV/AIDS?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
How can bacterial infections like typhoid be prevented?
By treating water and maintaining personal hygiene.
What is the main symptom of amoebic dysentery?
Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What role do saprophytic micro-organisms play in nature?
They decompose organic matter, helping maintain soil fertility.
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