Identifying Gram-Negative Coccus Using a Dichotomous Key
Which genus includes diseases like gonorrhea and meningitis?
A) Neisseria B) Pseudomonas C) Staphylococcus D) Streptococcus E) Micrococcus
How are prokaryotes classified as gram-positive or gram-negative?
Answer:The genus Neisseria, which includes diseases like gonorrhea and meningitis, is classified as a gram-negative coccus.
The genus Neisseria includes diseases like gonorrhea and meningitis.
Prokaryotes are stained as gram-positive or gram-negative due to differences in their cell wall.
When it comes to identifying a gram-negative coccus using a dichotomous key, the genus Neisseria is the key genus to look out for. The genus Neisseria includes pathogenic species that can cause serious infections like gonorrhea and meningitis.
Prokaryotes, which include bacteria like Neisseria, are classified as gram-positive or gram-negative based on characteristics of their cell wall. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick cell wall that retains the violet color of the Gram staining process, while gram-negative bacteria have a thin cell wall that does not retain the color.
By following the binary decisions in a dichotomous key, you can ultimately identify the organism based on its specific characteristics. These keys are useful tools in biological identification, allowing you to narrow down the options until you reach a final answer.
Understanding the differences in cell wall structure and staining properties is crucial in accurately identifying bacteria and determining their pathogenic potential.