QUESTIONS

1. List the 3 basic shapes of bacteria and give an example of each group.
2. What are curved bacilli known as?
3. What are variable shaped bacteria called?
4. Describe the following: diplococci, streptococci, staphylococci.
5. List the components of a generalised bacterial cell and briefly describe the function of each.
6. How do antibacterial drugs work?
7. Gram positive bacteria may produce harmful microbial exotoxins. Give 3 examples and state the disease caused by each.
8. List the essential requirements for bacterial growth.
9. What are facultative anaerobes?
10. What is the process by which bacteria reproduce called?
11. Briefly describe the process by which bacteria reproduce.
12. What is meant by conjugation?
13. Briefly describe conjugation.
14. What is a bacterial endospore?
15. Name 2 genera in which spore formation is common.
16. The identification of bacteria may be assisted by the use of microbial staining procedures. List 2 simple stains suitable for staining bacteria.
17. What is meant by a differential stain?
18. List the 4 chemicals used in a Gram's stain.
19. Of the chemicals listed in Q18, which is the mordant?
20. What is the difference between Lugol's and Gram's iodine?
21. What colour do Gram positive bacteria stain?
22. What colour do Gram negative bacteria stain?
23. What is the name of the stain used to detect acid fast bacilli such as mycobacteria (tuberculosis and Johne's disease)?
24. Why are bacterial smears heat fixed?
25. What is the function of a culture medium?
26. List 3 examples of simple (basal) culture media.
27. What is meant by enriched culture media?
28. Give an example of enriched culture medium.
29. What is the difference between enriched and enrichment culture media?
30. What are selective media?
31. Give 2 examples of selective media.
32. MacConkey's agar, in addition to being an example of a selective culture medium, is also a differential medium. What do you understand by this term?
33. What is the optimum temperature for the cultivation of campylobacter?
34. At what temperature should unused agar plates be stored at and why?
35. Why are agar plates incubated upside-down?
36. What is the correct method for the disposal of culture plates?
37. Name 2 proprietary media suitable for performing sensitivity testing.
38. Briefly describe the use of biochemical media.
39. For what purpose are transport media employed?