Diversity of Living Things

Prokaryote

Single-celled organism with no nucleus, don’t have organelles, smaller in size.

Eukaryotes

Multicellular organisms with a nucleus, have organelles, larger in size.

Virus

Nonliving particle that infects cells to reproduce.

Capsid

A protein coat around a virus’s genetic material.

Lytic cycle

Viral replication cycle that destroys the host cell immediately.

Lysogenic cycle

Viral replication cycle that integrates into the host's DNA and remains hidden.

Binomial nomenclature

Two-part scientific naming system (Genus species).

Taxon (taxa)

A category in the classification system.

Dichotomous key

Tool for identifying organisms through a series of choices.

Scientific name vs common

Worldwide name vs everyday local name.

Methanogens

Archaea that produce methane in anaerobic environments.

Halophiles

Archaea that thrive in extremely salty environments.

Thermoacidophiles

Archaea that prefer hot and acidic environments.

Agar

A gel used to grow bacteria in labs.

Binary fission

Asexual reproduction where a cell splits into two identical cells.

Species

A group of organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.

Plasmid

Loops of DNA separate from the cell's regular genetic material. Carry genes that are resistant to antibiotics, increasing survival.

Endospore

A structure bacteria form to survive harsh conditions.

Antibiotic

A substance that kills or stops the growth of bacteria.

Fragmentation

A method of asexual reproduction where pieces of hyphae break off and grow into mycelia

Biodiversity risks

Threats to the variety of life in ecosystems.

Human interventions

Actions by humans that affect ecosystems and biodiversity.

Sustainability

Using resources in a way that doesn’t harm future generations.

Taxonomic ranks

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

Genus species

The format for scientific naming of organisms.

Bacterial Infection

Can be treated with antibiotics and reproduce asexually.

Viral Infection

Treated with vaccines or antiviral meds and requires a host to reproduce.

Gram-positive bacteria

Stain purple due to a thick peptidoglycan layer.

Gram-negative bacteria

Stain pink or red due to a thin peptidoglycan layer.

How might Bacteria reproduce sexually?

Use conjugation, a method of sexual reproduction in bacteria involving DNA sharing or use viruses to transfer DNA.

Animal-like Protists

Resemble Animalia and are heterotrophs.

Plant-like Protists

Resemble Plantae and are autotrophs.

Fungi-like Protists

Resemble Fungi and are heterotrophs/decomposers.

Climate change effects

Habitat loss, extinction, changes in migration habits, and plant blooming times.

Human impacts on biodiversity

Urbanization, deforestation, chemical pollution, overfishing, and non-native species.

Protected areas

May lack resources and prevent species from migration, decreasing reproduction.

Importance of biodiversity

Ecosystem, Species, Genetic (make up biodiversity) 

Vital for the survival of organisms on earth

Ensures a variety of food sources for global security

Supports industries like agriculture and tourism

Supplies many medicines from diverse species

Classification criteria

Type of cell (Prokaryotes/Eukaryotes), mode of nutrition (Heterotroph/autotrophs), and reproduction (asexually/sexually). This helps understand the biological differences and relationships among organisms. 

Viral and contagious

A viral infection can be contagious before feeling sick because viruses replicate quickly. In the lytic cycle, the virus enters host cells, makes copies, and spreads before symptoms appear, allowing it to infect others early on.

Unknown organism classification

Observing habitat, color, texture, shape, and nutrition method.

What is the main asexual reproduction for Fungi?

Through fragmentation

How can Eubacteria be classified?

Shape (round, or spiral-shaped), mode of nutrition (heterotrophic/autotrophic), mobility (motile/non-motile), environment (live everywhere). 

Kingdom Archaea

Only reproduce asexually through budding and fragmentation

Live in extreme environments, one of the earliest forms on earth, cell walls not made of peptidoglycan.

Why can’t viruses be included in any kingdom of life?

They can’t carry out any metabolic functions, grow or reproduce independently, are not made of cells, and need a host cell to reproduce. 

What is a vaccine and how does it work?

Prepare the immune system to fight specific pathogens by introducing weakened or inactive parts of the pathogen, helping the body respond better to future infections.

Why are common names such as “robin” inadequate for scientists?

They vary by region, can refer to multiple species, and are not precise in identifying organisms.

What are the different shapes of bacterial cells?

Cocci, Bacilli, Spirilla, Spirochetes