17- Microbiology & Biochemistry

MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY EXAM PREPARATION GUIDANCE WITH STUDY PLAN

Exam Strategy:

• For Microbiology, focus on the Oral Microbiology notes provided, emphasizing the role of microorganisms in oral diseases.
• For Biochemistry, understand the enzymes involved in breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, as well as the molecular makeup of these macronutrients. Know the composition and functions of saliva.
• Do the Krebs cycle for Biochemistry – if you have time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubzw64PQPqM

High-Yield Topics:

• Oral Microflora:

Types of microorganisms found in the oral cavity (bacteria, fungi, viruses)

Factors influencing the composition of oral microflora (e.g., diet, oral hygiene, salivary flow)

Role of oral microorganisms in health and disease (e.g., dental caries, periodontal disease, oral candidiasis)

• Specific Microorganisms:

Streptococcus mutans: Role in dental caries, virulence factors

Porphyromonas gingivalis: Role in periodontal disease, virulence factors

Candida albicans: Role in oral candidiasis, predisposing factors

• Enzymes:

Enzymes involved in the breakdown of fats (lipases), carbohydrates (amylases), and proteins (proteases)

Mechanism of enzyme action, factors affecting enzyme activity

• Molecular Makeup:

Carbohydrates: Monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides

Fats: Triglycerides, fatty acids, phospholipids

Proteins: Amino acids, peptide bonds, protein structure

• Saliva: Composition:

Water, electrolytes, proteins (e.g., amylase, lysozyme, mucins), immunoglobulins (IgA) & Function.

By focusing on these high-yield topics and covering notes provided, you’ll be well-prepared for this section of the ORE and LDS exams.