Questions and Answers on Microbiology

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a group of the ribonucleic acid molecules that transmit hereditary information to the ribosome from the DNA to help in the specification of the sequence of the amino acid of the proteins upon which genes are expressed. After the transcription of the pre-mRNA through the RNA polymerase, the mature and processed mRNA is converted into a polypeptide chains with amino acids as its building blocks (Bullock, & Manias, 2011). Within the DNA, the genetic information contained in the mRNA is in the succession of nucleotides, which are organized into codon, each comprising of three base pairs. Every codon is a code for particular amino acid, with the exception of the terminal codons, which end the synthesis process. The translation process requires two different kinds of RNA, which are Transfer and Ribosomal RNAs. The transfer RNA mediates the identification of codons to the resultant amino acids, whereas rRNA acts as the central component for the manufacturing of proteins within the ribosomes. The short presence of mRNA molecules starts with transcription and at last ends with their degradation. Amid its existence, the molecules of an mRNA may likewise be altered, transported and processed preceding transcription (Marieb, 2015). Molecules of eukaryotic mRNA often frequently require in-depth processing and ultimately transport unlike the molecules of prokaryotic mRNAs. Molecules of eukaryotic mRNA and the surrounding proteins are jointly referred to as RNP. Transcription process occurs when ribonucleic acids are made from the DNA. During the process, the RNA polymerase creates duplicates of genes to the mRNA from the DNA as required. The process is common in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. One striking distinction, nonetheless, is that RNA polymerase partners with mRNA-processing enzymes throughout the transcription process to quicken the process. The unprocessed and short-lived product commonly referred to as mRNA is the ultimate outcome of the transcription process.

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Question 1(b)

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

Messenger ribonucleic acid is responsible for transcribing the hereditary code from deoxyribonucleic acid into forms easily accessible for reading and subsequently protein synthesis. It conveys hereditary information to the cellular cytoplasm to the nucleus of the cell.

rRNA (Ribosomal RNA)

Ribosomal RNA is situated in the cellular cytoplasm where ribosomes are located. rRNA coordinates the translation of the messenger ribonucleic acid into polypeptide chains, which are the building units of proteins.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

Question 1 (b)

As the ribosomal RNA, the transfer RNA is situated within the cellular cytoplasm and is associated with protein formation. Transfer RNA conveys or exchanges protein constituents to the ribosome, which that relate to every three-nucleotide codon forming the rRNA. These groups of amino acids at that point can be combined and process, making the chains of polypeptides.

The steadfast replication of DNA is one of the foundations of heredity (Bullock & Manias, 2011). The process entails the separation of the DNA duplex into two strands with each piece acting as a template for the formation of new, distinctive and complementary strands. An assortment of enzymes and other catalytic factors control the process. Some enzymes serve to repair mis-pairs while others take care of the damaged DNA during and after the replication process.

Microbiology - Learning Outcome -2

Question 2 (a)

Fungi are members of the eukaryotic group of organisms, which include molds and yeasts, as well as common mushrooms. This category of organisms falls under the Fungi Kingdom, which is distinct from other eukaryotic animals and plants. An attribute that situates fungi under a kingdom distinct from those of plants and animals, as well as protists and bacteria is the chitin contained in their cell walls. Like animals, members of the fungi kingdom are heterotrophic, acquiring nourishment through the absorption of dissolved molecules through the secretion of digestive enzymes to their surroundings. These organisms do not photosynthesize and their growth through sporulation is their only means of mobility. Fungi are the main decomposers within the environment, either symbiotically or parasitically. Fungi assume a critical role in the organic matter decomposition, as well as nutrient exchange and cycling in the environment.

The growth of most fungi is by means of hyphae, thread-like and cylindrical structures of between two to ten micrometers in diameter and a few centimeters long. Hyphae develop at their apices, new ones forming through the branching process (Lee & Bishop, 2013). Hyphae can likewise fuse with their counterparts when they come into contact, a process commonly referred to as hyphal fusion. Such growth processes result in the development mycelia, which are interconnected networks of hyphae. These units of hyphae can either be coenocyte or septate. The latter has cellular pores that are permeable to the cytoplasm, nuclei, and organelles. The reproduction of fungi is an intricate process, which mirrors the differences in genetic constitution and lifestyles within the distinct kingdom of the fungi. Fungi reproduce through multiple propagation methods. Prevailing environmental conditions are important in triggering the genetically developmental states, which result in the structuring of specialized creatures for asexual or sexual reproduction. These structures support reproduction through efficient dispersal of spores and spore-loaded propagules.

Question 2 (b)

Both molds and yeasts fall under are eukaryotes, which are life forms with nucleus and membrane in the kingdom Fungi. They are both opportunistic and parasitic organisms towards the organic matter. However, they are distinct in terms of growth, reproduction, and structure. Yeasts are single-cellular organisms and round or oval shaped, whereas molds have more perplexing multi-cell structures, with multiple strands. The appearance of spores around the molds under a microscope shows how different is it from the structure of the yeast. Molds appear to be more colorful and rough unlike the relatively smooth and colorless colonies of yeasts. Most yeast types reproduce through the budding process. The outgrowths radiating from the parent cell increase in volume as the nucleus divides, shifting into the growing bud. The latter section cuts off to operate as an autonomous yeast cell. Fewer yeasts reproduce through the bi8nary fusion process, dividing two daughter cells. Then again, molds duplicate both asexually and sexually through the sporulation process (Lee & Bishop, 2013). While both yeast and mold flourish in warm, clammy conditions, the latter can develop in a more extensive acidic range unlike the former, which are constrained to pH levels of between 4.0 and 4.5. One ramification of this distinction in habitat conditions is that molds pose a more prominent danger to sanitation and food spoilage concerns. While mold and yeast are both related to negative perspectives, such as waste and contamination, they additionally have positive uses. Mold is instrumental in the breakdown of organic matter, forming fertilizer. Yeast is important in the production of ethanol and other food ingredients.

References

Bullock, S., & Manias, E. (Eds.). (2011). Fundamentals of pharmacology (7th ed.). Sydney, Australia: Pearson.

Lee, G., & Bishop, P. (2013). Microbiology and infection control for health professionals (5th ed.). Frenchs Forest, NSW, Australia: Pearson Australia.

Marieb, N. N. (2015). Essentials of human anatomy and physiology (11th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.