Bio number 2 Prokaryotes: Bacteria and Archaea

Vocabulary flashcards covering prokaryotic reproduction, ecological interactions, nutrition modes, and cellular structures of Bacteria and Archaea.

Asexual reproduction

A reproduction method where a single individual is the sole parent and passes copies of all genes to offspring, producing exact copies or clones of the parent.

Sexual reproduction

A reproduction method where two parents give rise to offspring with unique combinations of genes from both parents, resulting in genetically variable offspring.

Autotroph

An organism capable of making its own organic compounds from simple substances in its surroundings.

Photoautotrophs

Autotrophic organisms that capture the energy of sunlight to synthesize organic compounds.

Chemoautotrophs

Autotrophic organisms that capture energy released from inorganic molecules to synthesize organic compounds.

Heterotroph

An organism that requires an outside source of organic compounds.

Saprotroph

A special type of heterotroph (also called a saprophyte) that extracellularly digests dead or decaying organic matter.

Producers

The ecological role fulfilled by autotrophs, which sustain themselves without eating anything derived from other organisms.

Consumers

The ecological role fulfilled by heterotrophs, which obtain their organic material from other organisms.

Decomposers

The ecological role fulfilled by saprotrophs, which return chemicals to their inorganic forms.

Symbiosis

An ecological relationship in which two species live in close contact: a larger host and a smaller symbiont.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship in which both symbiotic organisms benefit.

Commensalism

A symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits while neither harming nor helping the other in any significant way.

Parasitism

An ecological relationship where an organism called a parasite harms but does not kill its host.

Pathogens

Parasites that cause disease.

Bacillus (Bacilli)

A rod-shaped bacterial cell structure (e.g., Bacillus anthracis).

Coccus (Cocci)

A spherical bacterial cell structure (e.g., Streptococcus thermophilus).

Spirillum (Spirillia)

A spiral or helical (curved) bacterial cell structure (e.g., Spirillum volutans).

Nucleoid

The region in a bacterial cell that contains the single circular bacterial chromosome.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis in prokaryotic cells.

Plasma membrane

A sheath surrounding the cytoplasm that regulates the entrance and exit of molecules.

Cell wall

A covering that supports, shapes, and protects the bacterial cell.

Capsule

A gel-like coating outside the cell wall that provides protection from the immune system or environment.

Flagellum

A rotating filament present in some bacteria that pushes the cell forward for movement.

Fimbriae

Hairlike bristles on bacteria that allow adhesion to surfaces.

Peptidoglycan

A component of most bacterial cell walls that provides structure/support and forms the basis for Gram staining, but is lacking in archaeal cell walls.

Plasmids

Accessory rings of DNA in many bacteria that usually contain extra genetic information such as antibiotic resistance genes or virulence factors.