Download 1. Explain: (a) why we use scientific names written in Latin (and

1. Explain: (a) why we use scientific names written in Latin (and sometimes
Greek) and (b) the importance of binomial nomenclature in naming
organisms. Give examples of three scientific names (in correct binomial
format) of common organisms. Check the Internet for examples of organisms
that interest you.
The use of Latin and Greek words for the names given to various organisms
has several benefits. Swedish physician and botanist Carolus Linnaeus adopted
modern binomial nomenclature in the 18th century. The reason for the proposition
of the two-part name was to create a code that more readily identified specific
species without the use of long descriptors that could be prone to subjectivity or
misinterpretation. Furthermore, the use of scientific names eliminates confusion
between nationalities that may have different common names for organisms by
assigning them a universal name that acts as a code. Scientists from one nation can
converse with scientists from another about a specific organism with the aid of the
scientific name, avoiding confusion that may arise from differing common names. In
other words, if you are speaking to a doctor in the United States about an infection
with Staphylococcus aureus, but then seek a consult from a physician in another
country, everyone will know exactly what you are talking about!
A scientific name is created as a compound statement involving the genus
and species name of an organism in a standard format as described above. The
genus name comes first and describes a narrow range of organisms within a family.
The genus is always capitalized. It is followed by the specific species name, which is
not capitalized, and narrows the identification down to the single organism. The
species names are often derived from either Latin or Greek. Scientific names should
always be underlined (if hand written) or italicized (if typed).
Examples of binomial nomenclature of bacteria include Staphylococcus
aureus, Staphylococcus epidiermidis, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Take special
note of the fact that while each of these examples describes similar bacteria, they
are actually three different and distinct bacteria.
2. Discuss the differences and similarities between bacteria and fungi. Include
a comparison of size, cell type, reproduction, mode of deriving food, and good
versus bad effects on other organisms and the environment. Be sure to give
specific examples of good and bad bacteria and fungi including their scientific
names.
Cells are divided into two main groups, based on whether they have a
nucleus or not. Prokaryotes have a well-defined nucleus, while eukaryotes do not.
Classified as prokaryotes, bacteria include two major groups: eubacteria, which are
medically relevant bacteria, and archaeabacteria, the oldest living organisms. When
people mention bacteria, they are usually referring to eubacteria, or any of their
numerous subgroups. Fungi, on the other hand, are parasitic eukaryotes. Most fungi
occur as the unicellular yeasts or the filamentous molds. Bacteria are generally
smaller in size but more numerous than fungi.
In addition, fungi are usually saprophytic organisms, meaning that they
derive their nutrients from the environment around them in a parasitic way. In
contrast, bacteria generally ingest nutrients from the world around them, but they
do so by engulfing the various nutrients. Many bacteria are actually helpful to the
human in digestion. Lactobacillus acidophilus is one type, that helps the individual
move digested food through the body. In contrast, there are bacteria that are almost
always harmful to the human being, such as Clostridium botulinum that causes
botulism through the secretion of a toxin that is harmful to the host.
Yeasts like Saccharomyces cerevisiae is also called Bakers yeast and it is used
in the process of fermentation to make bread. Yeasts are also involved in the
fermentation of wines and beers and in brewing soy sauce that is used in Chinese
cooking. But, there are harmful fungi as well. Fungi like Aspergillus and Candida
albicans are often found in people who have a damaged immune system, such as
those with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Aspergillus fumigatus spores get
into the body through the respiratory system (by breathing) and isn’t normally a
problem. If a person has a damaged immune system, the fungus can grow in their
lungs and then use the blood stream to spread to other vital organs like the kidneys
and brain. In people who are very weak, it can be extremely serious. Candida on the
other hand is found in the gut of most healthy people and does not normally cause a
problem. If the person has a damaged immune system, it can make them very ill and
cause a lot of problems to health.