Prokaryotes and Their Characteristics

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to prokaryotic organisms and their characteristics as discussed in the lecture.

Coccus

A spherical-shaped bacterium.

Bacillus

A rod-shaped bacterium.

Streptococcus

A chain of spherical bacteria.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that retain the crystal violet stain used in Gram staining.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain and are stained red by safranin.

Exotoxins

Toxins secreted by bacteria that can cause damage to the host.

Endotoxins

Toxins that are part of the outer membrane of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria.

Plasmid DNA

Small circular DNA molecule found in bacteria, separate from chromosomal DNA.

Biofilm

A collection of microorganisms that stick to each other and to surfaces.

Capsule

A thick protective layer surrounding some bacterial cells.

Pili

Short hair-like structures on bacteria used for attachment and DNA transfer.

Nitrifying bacteria

Bacteria that convert ammonia into nitrates.

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.

Archaea

A domain of single-celled microorganisms that are prokaryotes and are distinct from bacteria.

CRISPR

A technology used for editing genes in organisms.

Antibiotics

Substances that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.