Origin of Life and Introduction to Prokaryotes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the origin of life, microbiology, and prokaryotic organisms.

Microbiology

The study of microbes, which are living organisms that are too small to be observed by the naked eye.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that do not have a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles, including bacteria.

Primordial Soup Theory

A theory that suggests life originated from simple organic compounds synthesized in Earth's early atmosphere.

Directed Panspermia

The hypothesis that life was intentionally transported to Earth by extraterrestrial beings.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic microorganisms that played a crucial role in oxygenating Earth's atmosphere.

Binary Fission

A method of asexual reproduction in which a single cell divides to form two cells.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall and retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria that have a thinner peptidoglycan layer and do not retain the crystal violet stain, appearing pink after Gram staining.

Extremophiles

Microorganisms that thrive in extreme environmental conditions, such as high temperature, acidity, or salinity.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some microorganisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Eubacteria

A major group of prokaryotic microorganisms that includes all bacteria except for the archaea.