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Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh
National University of Ireland, Galway
Semester II Examinations 2008/ 2009
Exam Code(s) 3EV Exam(s) 3rd Year B.Sc. (Environmental Science) Module Code(s) MI Module(s) Environmental Microbiology II Paper No. 2 (Semester 2 paper) External Examiner(s) Dr. S. Smith Internal Examiner(s) Dr G. Collins Instructions: • Answer THREE Questions.
- All Questions carry equal (20) marks.
- Please indicate clearly the numbers of the questions answered on the first page of your Answer Book Duration 2 hrs
Q1. Answer part (i) AND part (ii): (i) Describe the process of fermentation. Support your answer with illustrations where appropriate. (16 marks) (ii) Comment on the biotechnological significance of fermentation. Comment also on the medical/public health significance of the glycolysis and post-glycolysis steps involved in the mixed-acid fermentation pathway used by members of the Enterobacteriacea. (4 marks) Q2. Answer part (i) AND part (ii): (i) Explain what you understand about ‘aerobic respiration’ by microorganisms. (10 marks) (ii) Write notes on anaerobic respiration. In your answer, give examples of biogeochemical processes underpinned by anaerobic respiring microorganisms. (10 marks) Q3. Answer part (i) AND part (ii): (i) Describe, in detail, the composition of a typical Gram-negative bacterial cell wall. (15 marks) (ii) Briefly describe the process of endospore formation in bacteria. (5 marks) Q4. Answer part (i) AND part (ii): (i) Describe the effect of ONE of the following factors on microbial growth: temperature, pH, water availability. (10 marks) (ii) Describe and explain the various stages that occur during a typical batch bacterial culture. (10 marks) Q5. Write an essay on ‘water-associated diseases’. In your answer, give a detailed account of three water-borne pathogens of importance. (20 marks) Q6. Answer part (i) AND part (ii): (i) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using faecal coliforms/ E. coli as indicator organisms for water quality monitoring. (10 marks) (ii) Describe the methodologies used to determine and enumerate faecal contamination of water samples. (10 marks) Q7. Answer part (i) AND part (ii): (i) Discuss the following statement: “The future of microbial ecology lies in the study of environmental ecophysiology at the level of single cells”. (18 marks) (ii) Briefly explain why the use of the term ‘prokaryotic’ is becoming controversial. (2 marks)
