Microbiology: The Prokaryotes: Domains Bacteria and Archaea

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the classification and characteristics of prokaryotes, focusing on both bacteria and archaea.

Proteobacteria

The largest taxonomic group of bacteria, known for their gram-negative characteristics.

Alphaproteobacteria

A class within the Proteobacteria, capable of growth in low nutrient environments, often with stalks known as prosthecae.

Pelagibacter

One of the most abundant microorganisms in oceans, plays an important role in Earth’s carbon cycle.

Rickettsia

Obligate intracellular parasites associated with spotted fevers, transmitted by insect bites.

Azospirillum

A nitrogen-fixing bacterium found in soil that forms associations with plant roots.

Nitrobacter

Chemoautotrophic bacteria that use inorganic chemicals and fix nitrogen.

Firmicutes

A phylum of bacteria characterized by low G+C gram-positive bacteria, including many pathogens.

Mycoplasma

Bacteria that lack a cell wall and are pleomorphic, capable of causing mild pneumonia.

Chlamydiae

Intracellular bacteria that lack peptidoglycan in their cell walls, with Chlamydia causing diseases like trachoma.

Thermophiles

Microorganisms that thrive at high temperatures, often above 80°C.

Methanogens

A group of archaea that produce methane and are found in anaerobic environments.

Spirochaetes

Coiled bacteria that move via axial filaments, including pathogens like Treponema and Borrelia.

Deinococcus radiodurans

A bacterium known for its extreme resistance to radiation.

Actinobacteria

High G+C gram-positive bacteria, including those capable of producing antibiotics.