MIC2011 Notes - Week 1

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding cell classification, microbial growth, diversity, and biofilm formation.

What are the defining features that differentiate prokaryotic from eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotes lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotes possess both.

Give examples of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Prokaryotes: Bacteria, Archaea; Eukaryotes: Fungi, Protists.

What is the significance of the membrane-bound nucleus in eukaryotes?

It is the defining difference that distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells.

What is an acellular entity studied in microbiology?

Viruses, viroids, satellites, prions are acellular entities not considered technically alive.

What are the shared features of all cellular microbes?

They are too small to be seen with the naked eye, inhabit all life-supporting environments, and are found in complex communities.

Describe the process of microbial growth.

It is an increase in the number of microbial cells due to replication, not an increase in cell size.

What does microscopy help visualize in microbial studies?

It helps visualize cell size, shape, structures and enables understanding of metabolic capabilities.

What are the three domains of life?

Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.

What major event did cyanobacteria contribute to in Earth's history?

Cyanobacteria were the first organisms capable of oxygenic photosynthesis, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.

What is the 'Ring of Life' model?

It suggests that eukaryotes are a hybrid lineage with contributions from both Archaea and Bacteria.

What are some microbial abilities that are not universal?

Abilities such as multicellularity, predation, and magnetotaxis are rare among microbes.

What is a biofilm?

A community of surface-attached cells embedded in a self-produced matrix.

What advantages do microbes gain by forming biofilms?

Greater nutrient access, protection from predators/physical disturbances, and stability in hospitable environments.

What is the general structure of prokaryotic genomes?

Most prokaryotes have compact, circular DNA genomes.

Name a few rare/unusual abilities of some microbes.

Activities like multicellularity, extreme survival, and magnetotaxis are considered rare among microbes.