Micro-B Questions

This assignment for Phyllis Young

1. What were the historical scientific breakthroughs that led to our current understanding of viruses, viroids, and prions?

2. How do viruses, viroids, prions, and bacteria differ in terms of their biological identity and method of infection?

3. What are the chemical and physical properties and the lytic/latent cycles of animal and plant viruses?

4. How can viruses lead to cancer? Be sure to use specific examples (e.g. virus name and the cancer it causes) to illustrate your points.

5. You are growing Bacillus subtilis in nine 16,000 liter fermenters to produce enzymes or industrial use. The Bacillus cultures had been growing for 2 days when the cells in one of the fermenters lysed. Explain what happened in this fermenter

6. What are the distinguishing characteristics of lichens with regard to their nutritional needs, and what are the roles of the fungus and the alga that make up lichens?

7. What is the Bergey’s Manual, and how is it used as a tool in the classification or identification of bacteria?

About 150 words each, quote references