You are observing a prepared slide of bacteria. The slide label says, “Bacteria, methylene blue.” When you observe the bacteria on the slide, you see blue helical cells. What type of staining process was used to prepare this slide?

Cryptococcus neoformans is a microbe that can cause meningitis. Infection occurs through inhalation of spores. If individuals with a compromised immune system inhale spores, the microbe can divide and lead to inflammation of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. In addition to reproducing through spores, C. neoformans cells have a nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, and a cell wall composed of chitin. What type of microbe is C. neoformans?

You are working as a nurse and have two patients suffering from pneumonia. Both patients are being treated with steroids and anti-inflammatory medications. The first patient has bacterial pneumonia and is also being treated with antibiotics. The second patient has viral pneumonia and is not receiving additional medications. Compare and contrast the two different microbial classes causing pneumonia in these patients.

Which class of microbes does not have mitochondria?

Mycoplasma species of bacteria are unique among the bacteria because they lack a cell wall. Like other bacteria and eukaryotic cells, Mycoplasma species have a cell membrane composed of phospholipids, and embedded proteins. In addition, the phospholipids, Mycoplasma contains steroids embedded in the cell membrane to provide additional stabilization, similar to animal cells. Compare and contrast the lipid components seen in Mycoplasma.

Match the subunit to the class of organic molecule where it is found.

When treating microbial infections, cells that are more different from human (animal) cells are the easiest to treat. Based on this information, infections caused by _____ are the more difficult to treat compared to other microbial infections.

A patient has a respiratory infection. The chest X-ray indicates the presences of granulomas in the lungs, suggesting tuberculosis. A sputum sample is collected to confirm that the patient has tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a species of bacteria that contain mycolic acid in its cell wall. What staining procedure will allow you determine if M. tuberculosis is present in the respiratory system?

In the chemical equation: C6H12O6 + 6 O2 –> 6 CO2 + 6 H2O. What is(are) the product(s)?

You are working in a medical laboratory. You have two patient samples that you have been asked to Gram stain in order to determine the causative bacterium for their infections. Patient A is suffering from an infection caused by a Gram-positive spherical shaped bacteria. Patient B is suffering from an infection caused by a Gram-negative rod shaped bacteria. (a) Describe the steps you will take to complete the Gram stain. (b) How will you distinguish between these two bacteria?