Sci 123 Microbiology and Parasitology

Name: Jenny A. Catacutan

Instructions: Please answer the following questions briefly but substantially. There are
no correct or incorrect answer, but the manner of presenting and defending the
answers will matter. The use of online references to support your answers is allowed,
but copy-pasted answers will not be credited, please summarize and digest your
answers properly. This final exam shall be subjected to plagiarism test and answers that
are plagiarized (above 25%) may not be credited.

1. Identify at least 1 variant of the SARS-COV-2 and describe its characteristics. In

your answer, please include a justification why this variant is not a protist nor a
bacterium based on these characteristics. 10 points, 2 points for each logical
statement that directly answers the question (Do not draw, answers are
expected to be in paragraph form).
 One of the variant of SARS-COV 2 is Beta, also known as 501.V2 or B.1.351, that
have been labelled as “variants of concern” along with other variants of coronavirus
such as Delta and Alpha. It is a tiny genetic classified as virus that makes new
copies of itself to replicate and thrive. Beta (B.1.351) seems to mutate more easily
with about 50% increase in transmission compared to other variants. Moreover, this
variant reduces the effectiveness of some monoclonal antibody medications and the
antibodies generated by a previous COVID10 infection or vaccine. Hence, this
variant is not a protist nor a bacterium because it can replicate or spread rapidly at a
short span of time but only on their living hosts. So, this means that they cannot
survive unless they are living inside an organism.

2. Identify a common protist and explain why it is classified as protist, and not as a
bacterium or a virus. In your answer, please include ways how this protist is
scientifically classified. 10 points, 2 points for each logical statement that directly
answers the question. (Do not draw nor sketch, answers are expected to be in
paragraph form).
 One of the example of protest is Amoeba, a eukaryotic microorganism that found in
stagnant water and classified as protozoan. Amoeba contains a cell membrane that
encloses the cytoplasm and cellular contents. They like moist environment, thus,
they are classified aquatic microorganisms. They are motile at some point in their
life cycle, have various means of locomotion. Amoeba may move by pushing out
cytoplasmic extensions, known as pseudopodia”, as this protest does; by flexing
individual cells, by gliding over surfaces, by waving cilia (a short-hairlike organelles),
and by lashing flagella (a long whiplike organelles). To move themselves, they
extend their temporary bulges from cells known as pseudopodia (false-feet). So,
they can eat using their pseudopodia. On the other hand, Amoeba is classified as
protist, and not as a bacterium or a virus because it is a eukaryotic organism have
specialized organelles, including a true nucleus (contains the genetic material or
DNA) confined by a nuclear membrane. Also, this microorganism lives freely in damp
 or moist places. Thus, amoeba is classified as animal-like because of its locomotion
(ability to move).

3. Identify at least 2 common bacteria among schoolers (pupils or students) i.e. a

good and a bad. Explain why they are referred as good or bad to humans, to
other organisms and to the environment. (Do not draw nor sketch, answers are
expected to be in paragraph form).
 Lactobacillus (good bacteria) and Escherichia coli (bad bacteria) are some
common bacteria among schoolers (pupils or students). Lactobacillus is an example
of “good” bacteria that are used as probiotics, and normally found in urinary tracts
and human digestive. This bacterium can be consumed for gut health and for
diarrhea. It is classified as friendly bacteria because it helps our body break down
food, fight off bad organisms that might cause illnesses and diseases, as well as it
helps to absorbs nutrients. To the environment, lactobacillus serve a vital role as
starter cultures wherein it can produce acid rapidly and as probiotic cultures. On the
other hand, Escherichia Coli (E. Coli) is classified as “bad” bacteria that normally
lives in the intestines of human and also found in the gut of some animals. Some E.
coli are pathogenic, meaning they can cause illnesses such as diarrhea, vomiting,
nausea, abdominal pain and illnesses outside of the intestinal tract if consumed in
contaminated water, and it can be harmful serotypes if transmitted through food
spoilage, through contact with animals, or other infected people.

4. Please share your thoughts with defense: Bakuna o Biktima? 10 points

 Both my mind and heart are full during the defense about the topic “ Bakuna o
Biktima”. Our group is assigned to defend “Bakuna is not okay, kasi may biktima”.
So, as the opposing side, we believe that not all vaccines are safe because of what
happened to some people who already fully vaccinated. Not all vaccines are safe
because (1) there is a low immune response to COVID 19 vaccines in patients with
impaired immune system; (2) study shows that vaccines such as COVID vaccines
cause more harm than goodl; (3) adverse incidents with vaccines have occurred
(malpractices); (4) vaccines causes blood clot deaths (Ocampo's argument); (5) there
is a fast production of vaccines, making us as guinnea pigs (Dengvaxia issue); and
(6)
efficacy of vaccines to different variants. Thus, people see anti-vaxx as
uneducated but actually, they are educated and aware of the incidents occurred or
happened from the past viruses because of vaccines. This questionable effectiveness
and safety of vaccines instilled fear to anti-vaxx people. So, we firmly believe that
"Bakuna is not okay, kasi may biktim".

5. Please share your thoughts with defense: Mikrobyo o Mikronomiya? 10 points

 In this debate: Mikrobyo o Mikronomiya?. We are the affirmative side, wherein we
are going to defend "Mikrobyo, sila ay totoo." Microorganisms are found almost
everywhere, in all kingdoms of life. They play a vital role to humans, other
organisms, and on the environment. We, human, depend on microorganisms in all
aspects of life. In fact, most of the cells that make up our bodies are microbes!
Therefore, we support the resolution: "Mikrobyo, sila ay totoo." We take this
proposition for the following reasons: First, the existence of microbes billion years
ago such as archaea and bacteria. Next, the invention of microscope that brought a
concrete evidence that microbes are real. To support this reason, Antonie van
Leeuwenhoek was the first scientist to observe and experiment microbes using
single-lensed microscopes of his own design and invented. "To see is to believe",
use the microscope and see that microbes are real. Third, the infections or illnesses
caused by bacteria, which are microbes, such as diarrhea, tonsillitis, cold, etc. Lastly,
the beneficial and harmful effects of microorganisms to humans, other organisms,
and the environment. We have many evidences to prove that microbes are real; we
can even see some of these in our home. The fermented fish or "bagoong" that we
used as condiment in cooking "pinakbet", and the yeast that we used in baking
bread. We, the affirmative side, strongly believe that "Mikrobyo, sila ay totoo."

Happy Mid-year!
Wear face shield, face mask, social distancing. Keep safe.
Lives matter than grades. Mental health is more vital than scores.
Just submit what you can and accept what results from it. Then, move on.