BIOL 1262 Living Organisms I Microbiology: Origin of Life and Introduction to Prokaryotes

These flashcards highlight key terms and concepts related to the origin of life and the introduction to prokaryotes as discussed in the Microbiology lecture.

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 lack a nucleus, including bacteria and archaea.

Primordial Soup Theory

The theory that life began in a warm, dilute soup of organic molecules, which were formed by chemical reactions.

Directed Panspermia

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

Extremophiles

Microorganisms that thrive in extreme environments, such as extreme heat, acidity, or salinity.

Chemoautotrophy

A form of metabolism in which organisms obtain energy from inorganic compounds and use it to convert carbon dioxide into organic materials.

Anoxygenic photosynthesis

Photosynthesis that does not produce oxygen, typically using compounds like hydrogen sulfide as electron donors.

Stromatolites

Layered rock formations created by the activities of cyanobacteria, serving as some of the oldest evidence of life on Earth.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic bacteria that played a significant role in oxygenating the atmosphere and are among the oldest living organisms.

Gram staining

A method of classifying bacteria into two groups based on their cell wall structure, namely Gram-positive and Gram-negative.

Morphological features

The physical characteristics of organisms, including shape, size, and arrangement.

Binary fission

The process by which prokaryotic cells divide and reproduce asexually, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Bacterial Phyla

Major taxonomic groups of bacteria, including Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria.

Eukaryotes

Organisms with complex cells that contain a nucleus and organelles, including all animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

Virion

Complete virus particle that consists of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat.

Chemoheterotrophy

Metabolic process where organisms use organic compounds for both carbon and energy sources.

Panspermia

The hypothesis suggesting that life exists throughout the universe and is distributed by meteoroids, asteroids, comets, planetoids, or by spacecraft.