BaUltimate Study Guide

Prokaryotes

Structurally simple, ancient unicellular microorganisms lacking membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotes

Structurally complex cells that can be unicellular or multicellular, containing membrane-bound organelles.

Binary Fission

A form of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Plasmids

Extrachromosomal DNA in prokaryotes that can carry genes for antibiotic resistance.

Cytoskeleton

A network of filaments and tubules important for cell shape, organization, and movement.

Cell Wall

A rigid layer that provides structural support and protection to prokaryotic cells.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures where protein synthesis occurs, with a profile of 70S in prokaryotes.

Mesosome

An infolding of the plasma membrane in bacteria, involved in cell division and respiration.

Quorum Sensing

A mechanism of communication in bacterial populations that coordinates behavior based on population density.

Exotoxins

Toxic proteins secreted by bacteria that can have specific effects on host cells.

Endotoxins

Components of the Gram-negative bacterial cell wall (lipopolysaccharides) that can trigger systemic inflammation.

FtsZ

A protein that forms a contractile ring during bacterial cell division.

Teichoic Acids

Polymers found in the cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria that provide structural support and anionic charge.

Capsule

A gel-like layer surrounding certain bacteria that helps evade the immune response.

Bacterial Chromosome

A single, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that contains the genetic material of prokaryotes.

Transformation

The process by which bacteria take up free DNA from the environment leading to genetic change.

Transduction

The transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another via bacteriophages.

Mutagenesis

The process of inducing mutations in the DNA sequence of an organism.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive and grow in the presence of antibiotics that would normally kill them or inhibit their growth.

Biofilm

A structured community of sessile microorganisms attached irreversibly to a surface, surrounded by a self-produced matrix.

Facultative Anaerobes

Bacteria that can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen.

Obligate Anaerobes

Bacteria that are harmed or killed by oxygen and require an anaerobic environment for growth.

Gram Stain

A method used to classify bacteria into two groups (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) based on their cell wall composition.