Prokaryotes Overview

These flashcards cover the key concepts regarding prokaryotes, including their structure, function, reproduction, traits, and roles in health and the environment.

What are the two primary domains that are categorized as prokaryotes?

Domain Bacteria and Domain Archaea.

What are the three basic shapes of prokaryotes?

Spherical, Rod-shaped, and Spiral.

What is the main composition of the bacterial cell wall?

Peptidoglycan, a type of polysaccharide with polypeptide cross linkages.

How do Gram-positive bacteria differ from Gram-negative bacteria regarding their cell wall?

Gram-positive bacteria have a simple wall with a high concentration of peptidoglycan, while Gram-negative bacteria have a complex wall with an outer membrane and a lower concentration of peptidoglycan.

What is the function of fimbriae in prokaryotes?

Fimbriae are hair-like appendages that allow adhesion to substrates or other individuals.

How do prokaryotes primarily move?

Through flagella, if present.

Where is the DNA primarily found in prokaryotes?

In a concentrated area called the nucleoid, typically in one circular chromosome.

What is binary fission?

A method of reproduction in prokaryotes that is fast and allows quick adaptation.

What are methanogens, and in which domain are they found?

Methanogens are prokaryotes that produce methane as a waste product and are found in Domain Archaea.

How do prokaryotes exchange genetic material?

Through transduction, transformation, and conjugation.

What type of nutrition do cyanobacteria exhibit?

They are photoautotrophs.

What distinguishes obligate aerobes from obligate anaerobes?

Obligate aerobes require oxygen for cellular respiration, while obligate anaerobes are poisoned by oxygen.

What role do prokaryotes play in the nitrogen cycle?

They fix nitrogen gas (N2) to convert it into ammonium (NH3) which plants can utilize.

What are some diseases caused by prokaryotes?

Examples include bacterial dysentery, typhoid, cholera, and syphilis.

What are some ways antibiotics function against prokaryotic cells?

They work by disrupting peptidoglycan synthesis, altering ribosomal function, injuring the plasma membrane, disrupting DNA replication, and causing metabolic interference.

What is a biofilm?

Surface-coating colonies formed by cooperation among prokaryotic cells that allow for more efficient resource use.