SBI3U Chapter Two: Diversity - From Simple to Complex

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular structural diversity, prokaryotes vs eukaryotes, microbialites, and virus characteristics from SBI3U Chapter 2.1.

Microbialites

Structures that were common on Earth from $3.5\text{ billion}$ to $540\text{ million years ago}$, studied to gain insight into the history of life on Earth and to help recognize past or present extraterrestrial life.

Structural Diversity

The variation in external and internal structures among species, which exists at the cellular level in unicellular organisms such as bacteria and archaea.

Prokaryotes

Smaller, simpler unicellular organisms (Bacteria and Archaea) with a single chromosome, DNA not bound by a membrane, no nucleus, and no cell membranes around organelles.

Eukaryotes

Larger, more complex unicellular or multicellular organisms (Protists, Plants, Fungi, and Animals) containing DNA in a membrane-bound nucleus, several chromosomes, and membrane-bound organelles.

Prokaryote Cell Size

The characteristic cellular dimension of prokaryotic organisms, which measures $1-10\,\mu m$.

Eukaryote Cell Size

The characteristic cellular dimension of eukaryotic organisms, which measures $10-100\,\mu m$.

Viruses

Non-living entities consisting of strands of DNA or RNA surrounded by a protective protein coat, lacking cytoplasm, membrane-bound organelles, or cell membranes.

Viral Parasitism

The requirement of viruses to invade host cells and utilize the host cell's cellular machinery for survival and reproduction.