Module 4 - Structure & Characteristics of Microorganisms

Activity 1 : : Activity 2 : : Activity 3 : : Activity 4 : : Activity 5 : : Activity 6

In this module you will learn the different types of microorganisms and identify their characteristics.  You will investigate the principles of osmosis and how osmotic changes affect microorganisms.  The metabolism and motility of bacteria will also be examined. 

Activity 1:

Topics

Use the learning resources, labs, and websites included in this module to research the following topics.  Record your notes and questions in your notebook.

• Methyl Red, Voges-Proskauer biochemical tests
• Obligate aerobe
• Facultative aerobe
• Glucose metabolism
• Flagellar structures
• Motility
• Fermentation profiles
• Osmosis
• Osmotic changes
• Germ Theory
• Active Transport
• Passive Transport
• Glycolysis
• Gram positive cell wall
• Gram negative cell wall
• Bacterial morphology
• Bleach sterilizing techniques
• Direct staining
• Indirect staining

Access Prior Knowledge

Types and Characteristics of Microorganisms

• Make a concept map that shows all the types and characteristics you know for microorganisms. It is recommended that you make this map very large as on a large poster board or piece of butcher paper so that you have plenty of room to add new concepts as you work through this course of study.
• You might also want to use different colors for different concept areas such as bacteria, or viruses.
• Later as you investigate this area, you will come back and add to or modify your concept map. Do not be concerned if you don’t know much now.