National Microbiology Quiz
Organised by
Nanyang Polytechnic &
Singapore Society for Microbiology & Biotechnology (SSMB)
Scope of the Quiz
The Historical Perspective and Development of Microbiology
Brief history of microbiology. The relationship between microbes and our lives and the key figures
who developed the science of microbiology. The observations, hypotheses, postulates and theories
in the development of microbiology.
Microbiology in Our Lives and History
Several ways in which microbes affect our lives: infections, diseases, food chain, environment and
commercial applications. The first observation by Hooke and van Leeuwenhoek. The cell theory.
Compare the theories of spontaneous generation and biogenesis. Pasteur’s experiments, aseptic
techniques, fermentation and pasteurisation.
The Golden Age of Microbiology
The germ theory of disease and Koch’s postulates. The discovery of vaccination. The birth of modern
chemotherapy - dreams of a “Magic Bullet”. A fortunate accident – antibiotics
Modern Developments in Microbiology
Define bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, immunology, virology and microbial genetics.
Microbial Diversity
The workings of compound light microscope. The study of phylogenetic relationships of prokaryotes
and eukaryotes. The three domains of archaebacteria, eubacteria and eukaryotes. The recognition
of scientific class, family, genus and species of microorganisms. Study of microbial taxonomy based
on morphology, physiology, biochemistry, genetics and immunology.
Microscope
Units of measurement. Compound light microscopy. Define total magnification and resolution.
Other types of microscopes: dark field microscope, phase-contrast microscope, fluorescence
microscope, confocal microscope and electron microscope. Preparation of specimens for light
microscopy. Oil immersion technique.
Classification of microorganisms
The five kingdoms system and the three domains. Scientific nomenclature. The taxonomic hierarchy.
A phylogenetic hierarchy. Classification of bacteria under class, family, genus and species.
Methods of Classification and Identifying Microorganisms
Morphology characteristics. Differential and special stains: Gram stain, acid-fast stain, negative
(capsule) stain, spore stain and flagella stain. Biochemical tests: starch hydrolysis test, coagulase test,
oxidase test, citrate test, indole test, catalase test, hydrogen peroxide test and urease test.
Serological test and phage typing. Genetics and immunology.
Bacterial cell structure and cell wa ll chemistry
Comparing prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The function and arrangement of component in
prokaryotic (bacteria) cells. Study the structures external and internal to the cell wall as well as the
cell wall. The eukaryotic cell and the organelles.
Comparing the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Compare and contrast the overall cell structure of prokaryotes and eukaryotes: absence of
organelles, circular genetic material (DNA), plasmid vector, binary fission, complex peptidoglycan cell
wall and the size, shape and arrangement of bacteria cells.
Bacteria cell wall structure and chemistry
Composition and characteristics of bacteria cell wall. Compare and contrast the cell walls of grampositive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, archaea and mycoplasmas. Cell walls and the gram stain
mechanism. Peptidoglycan layer, teichoic acids, periplasmic space, lipid and lipoprotein content of
cell wall. Importance of cell wall chemistry in taxonomy and virulence.
Structure external and internal to t he bacteria cell wall
Describe the structure and function of the glycocalyx, flagella, axial filaments, fimbriae and pili. The
structure, chemistry and functions of the plasma membrane. The movement of materials across
membrane. Function of cytoplasm, nuclear area, ribosomes, inclusions, metachromatic granules, gas
vacuoles and endospores.
The eukaryotic cell structure
Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell walls, plasma membrane and cytoplasm. Brief
introduction to eukaryotic cell organelles: the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, the golgi
complex, mitochondria, chloroplasts, lysosomes, vacuoles and centrioles.
Microbial growth and metabolism
Understand the physical and chemical requirements/factors for microbial growth. Define
metabolism, and describe the fundamental differences between anabolism and catabolism. Culture
media for microbial growth. Define bacterial growth curve and the direct measurement of bacterial
growth.
Culture media
Distinguish between chemically defined and complex media. Justify the use of anaerobic techniques,
selective media, differential media and enrichment media. Culture techniques, streaking and
spreading of plate. Preserving bacteria culture techniques.
The requirements for growth
Physical requirements: temperature, pH and osmotic pressure. Chemical requirements. The effect of
oxygen on aerobes and anaerobes.
Microbial growth
Bacteria division. Generation time. Bacteria growth curve. Phases of growth. Direct measurement of
microbial growth. How to do a plate counts. The most probable number method. Direct microscopic
count. Estimating bacterial numbers by indirect methods.
Microbial metabolism
Define metabolism. Differences between anabolism and catabolism. Identify ATP as the
intermediate between catabolism and anabolism. Major microbial metabolic pathways:
carbohydrate catabolism, anaerobic respiration, fermentation, lipid catabolism and photosynthesis.
Metabolic diversity among organisms: photoautotroph, photoheterotroph, chemoautotroph and
chemoheterotroph.
Virology
Mammalian viruses. Structure, morphology, physiology and classification.
Diseases and symptoms caused by virus in human.
Mycology
Structure, morphology, physiology and classification. Uses and diseases.
Parasitology
Structure, morphology, physiology and classification. Diseases and symptoms in human caused by
parasites.
Phycology
Structure, morphology, physiology and classification