Pre-lab questions what are two ways that some prokaryotes are able to survive in extreme environments? describe three ways that microorganisms in soil contribute to the ecosystem as a whole. give two examples of genera that produce endospores, and explain why they are important in human health. what are coliforms? why are they important in assuring water quality? why is e. coli the indicator bacterium for fecal contamination?

What are two ways that some prokaryotes are able to survive in extreme environments?

1.Presence of thick cell wall in prokaryotes help them to survive in hypo-osmotic and hyper-osmotic conditions.

2.Production of endospores by bacteria. Bacteria use these structures to produce off sprigs because these structures are heat and drought resistant. They germinate when the conditions became favorable for growth.

Describe three ways that microorganisms in soil contribute to the ecosystem as a whole.

1.As decomposer return the nitrogen contents back to ecosystem.

2.Bacteria detoxify may harmful substances present in water bodies therefore some species of bacteria are used for bio-remediation of ecosystem.

3.Bacterial byproducts help plant to grow faster because these byproducts act as stimuli for plant growth.

Give two examples of genera that produce endospores, and explain why they are important in human health.

Endospore Producing Genus:

Bacteria belongs to genus Bacillus and Clostridium produce endospores.  

Importance for humans.:

1.Bacillus species are used to produce antibiotics, metabolites, enzymes which help in curing human diseases.

2.While species of Clostridium cause food poisoning in human.

What are coliforms? Why are they important in assuring water quality?

Coliforms are gram negative bacteria have road like shape found in spoiled water.  

Importance:

These bacteria are important indicator of polluted water therefore in water quality testing their presence tells us about the water quality that how much is this water polluted.

Why is E. coli the indicator bacterium for fecal contamination?

E. Coli found in the intestine of humans. As E. Coli itself does not cause mild infections therefore its presence indicates the presence if other deadly pathogens which may cause dangerous diseases to human.

weathering is the answer.