Why is it necessary to complete the identification of a bacterium on the basis of its physiology rather than its morphology?
To determine:
The necessity of the identification of a bacterium based on physiology and morphology.
Introduction:
Morphology is the structural components of an organism. The physiology is the study of the functional and chemical properties of the organism and the associated morphological structures.
Explanation of Solution
The bacteria are simple prokaryotes and most of them are similar in terms of appearance and structural details. So, due to the major morphological similarity between the bacterial species the identification of the virulence of the bacteria is not possible. However, the physiological traits of the bacteria are generally unique to each genus, which makes the study of virulence easy. It also helps in the determination of the possible toxins released by bacteria and its effect. Hence, studying physiology provides a good idea about the bacterial species.
The physiology of each species of bacteria is generally unique, although the morphology is more or less same in most of the bacterial species. Hence, physiology provides a better idea about a particular bacterial strain.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 18 Solutions
Symbiosis, Lab Experiments in Microbiology
- Why is pure culture and culture collection important in identifying novel species of bacteria?arrow_forwardWhat are challenges or difficulties we may encounter for identifying a bacillus cereus microbe ?arrow_forwardCan simple technique be used to identify more than the morphological characteristics of microorganisms? Explain.arrow_forward
- Why is it important to follow sterile technique? What can happen to cause gram-positive bacteria to appear gram-negative?arrow_forwardHow does the growth rate of a specific bacterium impact how easy or difficult it is to treat clinically?arrow_forwardDescribe three problems associated with using the standard plate count method for determining the number of bacteria in a sample.arrow_forward
- What is the purpose of the confirmed test in an experiment designed to test for coliform bacteria?arrow_forwardAfter the original specimen has been plated and a reported gram-negative rod was seen on the initial gram stain, what is your initial assumption of the organism causing this disease?arrow_forwardIn the preparation of a bacterial smear, why is there a need to fix the bacteria to the slide? Aside from passing the slide over a flame, what are the other ways of fixing the bacteria to the slide?arrow_forward