Microbe Mission B/C

[sweetgirl964]

Does anyone know what homeostasis is?

[FullMetalMaple]

What exactly is Microbial Competition?

Competition between microbes over things such as food, space, etc. Think survival of the fittest and struggle for existence.

Does anyone know what homeostasis is?

Homeostasis is regulating internal conditions. For example, humans sweat to maintain their body temperature. It's also a traditional requirement for life.

[sweetgirl964]

Thanks!

[dvd]

I'm a little confused on what "Causes and effects of microbial population explosions" means. I know factors that can increase/decrease microbial growth, but what exactly is the cause or effect of an "explosion"?

[amerikestrel]

I'm a little confused on what "Causes and effects of microbial population explosions" means. I know factors that can increase/decrease microbial growth, but what exactly is the cause or effect of an "explosion"?

I think that's mostly referring to algal blooms.

[QuantumLeaper]

I'm a little confused on what "Causes and effects of microbial population explosions" means. I know factors that can increase/decrease microbial growth, but what exactly is the cause or effect of an "explosion"?

I think that's mostly referring to algal blooms.

That sounds about right.

I'm thinking about doing this event next year since the people who did Microbe Mission are graduating. A little intimidated (biology of any kind is NOT my strong suit), but I'm going to prepare over the summer. I'll check the Wiki, but can anyone direct me to some good practice tests otherwise?

[amerikestrel]

I'm a little confused on what "Causes and effects of microbial population explosions" means. I know factors that can increase/decrease microbial growth, but what exactly is the cause or effect of an "explosion"?

I think that's mostly referring to algal blooms.

That sounds about right.

I'm thinking about doing this event next year since the people who did Microbe Mission are graduating. A little intimidated (biology of any kind is NOT my strong suit), but I'm going to prepare over the summer. I'll check the Wiki, but can anyone direct me to some good practice tests otherwise?

Probably the best thing you can do is to get your hands on a bio textbook and read any relevant chapters. If you can get a microbiology textbook that's even better. I'd recommend "Microbiology the Easy Way" – it goes pretty in-depth, but it's not hard to understand.

When you start make sure you learn the characteristics of the microbes and their differences – Wikipedia is great for this. Also, sit down and memorize cell parts, microscope parts, etc. This will make it SO much easier later on.

[QuantumLeaper]

Thank you so much! Those are exCELLent (lame joke ) suggestions that I definitely will follow. In all seriousness, I really want our team to do well in this event. We didn't do so well compared to some of the other events, so fingers crossed for next year!

[dvd]

Ergotism is a disease that affects animals, yet it is under plant diseases. Do you think we are supposed to know the treatment and prevention for ergotism or for ergot (the one that affects plants)?

[QuantumLeaper]

For all of you who went to Nationals, what was the test like for this event?

[Starapollo1]

For all of you who went to Nationals, what was the test like for this event?

The test was awesome! It was relatively easy (which means missing a few or more landed you in an insanely low placing) but it was still a good test! The guy running it was really funny too, it was worth not placing just because of him! lol

[biribiri]

Any ideas on what kind of rule changes will be made next year for this event? Do you guys think the list of microbial diseases will generally stay the same?

[NYLHVSSO]

Not sure if it will be here next year.
It is a completely new event as of this year.
For some reason, at my regional competition, they asked about diseases that were not on the list.

[beaverkid]

Did you ask your coach to file an appeal and did anyone else complain about it? I've heard that NY use the same test for multiple regionals, did anyone else from another regional have that problem?

[FullMetalMaple]

For some reason, at my regional competition, they asked about diseases that were not on the list.

That's pretty common, it seems. I've certainly seen diseases not on the list before - I think there might have been one on my state test.

Any ideas on what kind of rule changes will be made next year for this event? Do you guys think the list of microbial diseases will generally stay the same?

If this event sticks around (not sure why it wouldn't), I don't know why the diseases would be the same. It would be more fun if they switched around.