Bacteria Pathogens and Benefactors

9 Describe the role of micro-organisms in the decomposition of organic matter and the recycling of carbon. Microorganisms convert carbon containing compounds to carbon dioxide when they respire and nitrogen containing compound into ammonia. The Carbon dioxide is then fixed by plants during photosynthesis.

Invading The Body

10 Describe the major routes pathogens may take when entering the body and explain the role of barriers in protecting the body from infection, including the roles of skin, stomach acid, gut and skin flora. Ways pathogens enter the body include: Vectors (live organisms carry the pathogen); fomites (inanimate objects) ; direct contact; inhalation (tiny droplets of bacteria inhaled); ingestion (contaminated food); inoculation(break in the skin) Skin Contains keratin a protein which makes it hard. It forms a physical barrier between pathogens and the body. Contains sebum which inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Stomach Acid Low pH destroys the majority of microorganisms ingested Gut Mucus produced in the epithelial layer contains lysozymes. Lysozymes destroy microbial cell walls causing the cell to lyse Skin flora Bacteria on the skin outcompete pathogens

 Endotoxins lipopolysaccharides which are part of the outer layer of gram negative bacteria which cause symptoms of disease Exotoxins soluble proteins produced and released into the body by bacteria which often cause severe symptoms of disease

The skin: - the skins keratin (hard protein) outer layer stops entry of microorganisms - entry can occur through wounds but blood clotting stops further enrty - large numbers of microbes called skin flora live on the skin surface they prevent colonisation of other bacteria Mucous membranes: - the mucus membranes line the airways and gut and provide easier routes into the body - entry of microbes into the lungs is limited by the action of mucus and cilia - the mucus traps microbes and the cilia carry the mucus to the throat where it is swallowed - tears and saliva contain lysozyme which breaks down bacterial cell walls

 In the digestive system: stomach acid: gastric juices secreted by gastric glands in the stomach walls will contain hydrochloric acid giving a pH of less than 2.0 this kills most bacteria that enter with food Gut flora: - bacteria are found in the small and large intestines - natural flora benefit from living within the gut where conditions are ideal - the bacteria can aid in the digestive process as they secrete chemicals like lactic acid which are useful in the defense against pathogens

Barrier Mechanisms include; Skin Stomach Acid Normal Flora Epithelial cells Skin Adaptations for defence: The skin is made from 2 layers; - Outer epidermis layer - Inner dermis layer The epidermis provides a physical barrier to invading pathogens. There are 2 layers in the epidermis; A Outer cornified layer, composed of compacted dead dry cells filled with indigestible keratin protein (which also forms nails and hair) B Inner Malpighian layer, site of rapid mitosis and keratinisation. The skin also has chemical defence mechanisms; - sweat & sebaceous glands secrete sebum, which is an oil with pH 3 5. This makes the skin acidic - sebaceous glands also secrete the enzyme lysozyme, which is a natural antibiotic. Lysozyme destroys bacterial cell walls. Stomach Acid: Is made from HCl at pH 1 2. it is a very effective barrier. Normal Flora: The skin, respiratory tract and gut are covered with commensual bacteria, which are part of the normal flora of the body. Commensual bacteria are adapted to live the environment of the skin and the gut and the and compete with invading pathogens for the limited supply of nutrients. Epithelial cell Adaptations for defence: 1. Epithelial cells are closely packed & connected by tight junctions forming a continuous impermeable layer 2. Epithelial cells have cilia, which form a direct physical barrier preventing pathogen attachment 3. Cilia beat in waves, which helps clear bacteria out of the lungs and into the throat, where they are swallowed. Ingested bacteria are quickly killed by the low stomach pH and digestive proteases. Cilia also beat in the GI tract. 4. Epithelial cells secrete mucus, which is trapped by cilia. Mucus also directly prevents pathogen attachment 5. Mucus contains lysozyme