Download MICRB 106: Microbial Diversity Assignment

MICRB 106: Microbial Diversity Assignment
Complete by Exam #3 on April 9th, 2003, for participation marks (2% final grade).
You may work in groups of three or fewer students.
(1% Extra Credit if completed by Friday, March 21st, 2003.)
1. Explain five ways of how archaeal cells are different from bacterial cells?
2. What are some unique ecological and physiological properties of extreme halophilic archea.
Specifically, what nutritional classes define Halobacterium halobium; what protein involved in light
harvest is related to man; and why is there a commercial interest in this archaea?
3. What are some unique properties of hyperthermophiles? Where in the ocean are members of this
archea group found and what ecological role do they play there?
4. What is physiologically unique about archaea like Methanobacterium (i.e. what’s it do?)? Describe
some natural and manmade environments where these may be found.
5 – 9. For each of the five classes in phylum Proteobacteria, all of which are Gram negative bacteria, list
the types of nutritional classes represented, other unique characteristics of the class, and describe the
characteristics and importance (to man or nature) of specific taxa listed under each class below.
5. α (alpha) Proteobacteria: Ehrlichia, Hyphomicrobium, Rhizobium
6. β (beta) Proteobacteria: Thiobacillus, Zoogloea, Rhodospirillum
7. γ (gamma) Proteobacteria: Chromatium, Xanthomonas, Vibrio, Enterobacteriales
8. δ (delta) Proteobacteria: Bdellovibrio, Myxococcales
9. ε (epsilon) Proteobacteria: Campylobacter, Helicobacter
10. Describe the general characteristics and unique structures of Cyanobacteria, including how they differ
from other phototrophic bacteria. How are they related to chloroplasts of higher plants?
11. Describe the general characteristics and unique structures of Chlamydia and Spirochetes. For each,
include two diseases of humans that they cause.
13. Describe the general characteristics of Low G+C Gram Positive Bacteria. Describe the
characteristics and importance (to man or nature) of Clostridium, Epulopiscium, Lactobacillus, and
Listeria.
14. Describe the general characteristics of High G+C Gram Positive Bacteria. Describe the
characteristics and importance (to man or nature) of Mycobacterium and Actinomycetes.
15. Protozoa: Describe three major groups; what ecological function do they serve in nature; name and
briefly describe two diseases.
16. Algae: Name four groups; are they unicellular or colonial; describe the life cycle of one group.
17. Fungi: Name three phyla relevant to human disease; name and briefly describe two diseases.
18. Helminthes: What are characteristics of this animal phylum; name and briefly describe two diseases.