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Bacterial Classification Flashcards

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  1. Which of the following is the correct sequence of taxonomic ranks from broadest to most specific in bacterial classification?

    Answer: Domain → Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species

    Standard taxonomic hierarchy proceeds from Domain (broadest) down through Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, to Species (most specific).

  2. A scientist discovers a bacterium living in hydrothermal vents at 110°C. This organism would be classified as a:

    Answer: Hyperthermophile

    Hyperthermophiles grow optimally above 80°C and are often found in volcanic hot springs and hydrothermal vents.

  3. Which property of 16S rRNA makes it the gold standard gene for bacterial phylogenetic classification?

    Answer: It is universally present and contains both conserved and variable regions

    16S rRNA is universal to all prokaryotes and has conserved regions for primer binding flanking variable regions that reveal evolutionary relationships.

  4. Enterobacteriaceae (Enterobacterales) members share which set of characteristics?

    Answer: Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic rods that ferment glucose

    Enterobacteriaceae are Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic rods that ferment glucose and include E. coli, Salmonella, and Klebsiella.

  5. Which biochemical test distinguishes Staphylococcus from Streptococcus when both appear as Gram-positive cocci?

    Answer: Catalase test

    Staphylococci are catalase-positive (bubble with H2O2) while Streptococci are catalase-negative.

  6. A Gram-negative curved rod that is microaerophilic and associated with peptic ulcers is best identified as:

    Answer: Helicobacter pylori

    Helicobacter pylori is a microaerophilic, Gram-negative curved rod that colonizes the gastric mucosa and causes peptic ulcers.

  7. In bacterial nomenclature, which statement about writing a species name is correct?

    Answer: The genus is capitalized and italicized; the species epithet is lowercase and italicized

    Binomial nomenclature requires the genus to be capitalized and italicized, while the species epithet is lowercase and italicized (e.g., Escherichia coli).