BIO 100 Quiz: ap10_biology_form_b_q3.pdf
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For each one you choose, describe how bacteria carry out the role and discuss its ecological importance. (3 points maximum for each ecological niche; 9 points maximum) Bacteria play central biological roles. (a) bacteria may act as: producers, parasites, mutualistic symbionts, decomposers. Defines ecological role (this may be included in example): primary source of energy for food chain/ecosystem, fixes carbon/primary source of organic molecules/produces oxygen, +/- interactions, limiting factor in host population size, selective agent on host species. Question 3: cyanobacteria, chemoautotrophs (deep-sea vents), photoautotrophs (purple bacteria and green bacteria), streptococcus, Mutualistic symbiont: +/+ interaction, expands niche, enhances competitive fitness (may confer resistance). Decomposer recycles nutrients: may also be a mutualistic symbiont, removes waste and harmful products (pesticides, oil spills). Question 3 (continued) decomposition enzymes, etc. (b) explain how bacteria can be altered to make genetically engineered products. (3 points maximum) 1 point each for explaining concept fully and/or for describing the lab method.
