Overview of Prokaryotes: Bacteria & Archaea

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to prokaryotic organisms, detailing their structures, functions, mechanisms of reproduction, and ecological roles.

Prokaryote

A single-celled organism that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Binary Fission

A method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes where a cell divides into two identical cells.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, stained purple by the Gram stain.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria that have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane, stained red by the Gram stain.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

The movement of genetic material between organisms other than by descent.

Biofilm

A highly organized colony of microorganisms that attach to a surface.

Nitrogen-fixing Bacteria

Bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by living organisms.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic bacteria that are the only prokaryotes capable of oxygen-generating photosynthesis.

Halophiles

Microorganisms that thrive in extremely salty environments.

Thermophiles

Microorganisms that thrive at extremely high temperatures.

Symbiosis

A close association between two or more different species, which may be beneficial to one or both.

Endotoxin

A component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria released upon cell death, causing fever and inflammation.

Exotoxin

Toxins secreted by bacteria into their environment, often causing diseases.

Autotroph

Organisms that obtain their carbon from inorganic sources, like carbon dioxide.

Heterotroph

Organisms that obtain their carbon from organic compounds produced by other organisms.

Archaea

One of the two domains of prokaryotic life, often found in extreme environments.

Bioremediation

The use of organisms to remove pollutants from the environment, such as soil or water.

Pathogen

An organism that causes disease.

Motility

The ability of an organism to move independently from one place to another.

Aquatic Filamentous Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria that form filamentous structures and exist in aquatic environments.

Quorum sensing

The process by which bacteria communicate and coordinate behavior via signaling molecules.