The Prokaryotes: Bacteria and Archaea

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to prokaryotes, including their classification, relevant genera, and associated diseases.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, classified into two domains: Bacteria and Archaea.

Proteobacteria

The largest group of bacteria, comprising more than 500 genera, characterized as gram-negative and diverse in metabolic processes.

Alphaproteobacteria

A class of Proteobacteria that includes bacteria known for their ability to live in low-nutrient environments and some that are important in agriculture.

Rhizobium

A genus of bacteria that fix nitrogen in symbiotic associations with plants, particularly legumes.

Agrobacterium

A genus of bacteria that can insert DNA into plant cells, causing tumor formation and is associated with Crown Gall disease.

Betaproteobacteria

A class of Proteobacteria known for requiring a lot of organic nutrients and includes significant human pathogens.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Causative agent of gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted infection.

Bordetella pertussis

The bacterial pathogen that causes whooping cough, producing toxins that affect the respiratory tract.

Gammaproteobacteria

The largest and most diverse group of Proteobacteria, including many human pathogens and normal flora.

Pseudomonas

A genus of opportunistic pathogens often associated with infections in burn patients and respiratory tract infections.

Epsilonproteobacteria

A class of slender gram-negative rods, includes Helicobacter pylori which causes peptic ulcers.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining protocol, typically characterized by a thick peptidoglycan layer.

Actinobacteria

A group of gram-positive bacteria known for complex life cycles and the production of antibiotics, includes Mycobacterium.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

A bacterium that causes tuberculosis, characterized by its acid-fast properties and the potential for deep tissue infections.

Halophiles

Microorganisms that thrive in high salt environments, often found in salt lakes and other saline areas.

Methanogens

Archaea that produce methane as a byproduct of their metabolism, typically found in anaerobic environments.

Pathogenic endospore

A dormant, highly resistant form of some bacteria that can survive extreme conditions, posing a risk of infection.