How does the shape of a bacteria cell affect the bacteria’s survival in the environment?  To answer this question: Calculate the surface-to-volume ratio of a coccus, assuming it is a perfect sphere. Where radius (r) = 0.91 μm. surface-to-volume ratio of a coccus = ________________   Calculate the surface-to-volume ratio of a bacillus, assuming it is a cylinder. Where r = 0.5 μm and height (h) = 4 μm surface-to-volume ratio of a bacillus = _________________________

Principles Of Pharmacology Med Assist
6th Edition
ISBN:9781337512442
Author:RICE
Publisher:RICE
Chapter15: Antibiotic Agents
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 24RQ
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How does the shape of a bacteria cell affect the bacteria’s survival in the environment? 

To answer this question:

Calculate the surface-to-volume ratio of a coccus, assuming it is a perfect sphere.

Where radius (r) = 0.91 μm.

surface-to-volume ratio of a coccus = ________________

 

Calculate the surface-to-volume ratio of a bacillus, assuming it is a cylinder.

Where r = 0.5 μm and height (h) = 4 μm

surface-to-volume ratio of a bacillus = _________________________

 

The values provided for the radius of the coccus and the radius and height for the bacillus will give approximately the same volume for the coccus and the bacillus. However, the surface area will differ. Now compare the surface-to-volume ratio of a coccus to a bacillus calculated with these values.

Which has the higher surface area for the same amount of volume?

Considering the coccus and bacillus of equal volume from the question above,

 

Which is more likely to survive in a dry environment? Explain your answer.

 

 

Which is more likely to survive in a wet environment? Explain your answer.

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