Micro_Chapter_11

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes.

Prokaryotes

Unicellular organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus.

Gram Negative Bacteria

Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining protocol and are characterized by a thin peptidoglycan layer.

Phylum

A level of classification in biology that ranks above class and below kingdom.

Pseudomonadota

A phylum of gram-negative bacteria that includes diverse groups with significant ecological and medical roles.

Alpha Proteobacteria

A class within the Pseudomonadota phylum, known for its members that are capable of growth in low nutrient environments.

Pelagibacter ubique

One of the most abundant microorganisms on Earth, primarily found in oceans; does not cause human disease.

Rickettsia

A genus of obligate intracellular parasites known for causing spotted fever and transmitted by arthropods.

Ehrlichia

A genus of bacteria causing ehrlichiosis, affecting white blood cells and transmitted by ticks.

Rhizobium

A genus of bacteria that forms symbiotic relationships with legumes, aiding nitrogen fixation.

Brucella

A genus of bacteria that are obligate parasites of mammals, causing brucellosis.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by living organisms.

Nitrosomonas

A genus of nitrifying bacteria that converts ammonium into nitrite, important in the nitrogen cycle.

Bordetella pertussis

The species that causes whooping cough (pertussis).

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

The bacterium responsible for gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection.

Francisella tularensis

The bacterium that causes tularemia, often associated with contact with infected animals.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A gram-negative bacterium associated with infections in immunocompromised individuals and opportunistic infections.

Acinetobacter baumannii

An opportunistic pathogen known for its antibiotic resistance, primarily found in healthcare settings.

Legionella

Genus of bacteria that can cause legionellosis, a severe form of pneumonia.

Chlamydia trachomatis

The bacterium that causes chlamydia, often leading to reproductive health issues.

Enterobacteriaceae

Family of bacteria known as enterics, common in the intestines and significant in foodborne diseases.

Escherichia coli

A common inhabitant of the human intestinal tract, some strains of which can cause illness.

Salmonella enterica

Causes salmonellosis, a common form of foodborne illness.

Shigella

A genus of bacteria that cause shigellosis, a severe form of diarrhea.

Staphylococcus aureus

A leading cause of wound infections and food poisoning, known for its pathogenicity.

Streptococcus pyogenes

The bacterium causing strep throat and other severe infections.

Corynebacterium diphtheriae

The causative agent of diphtheria, a deadly disease affecting the respiratory system.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The bacterium that causes tuberculosis, a serious infectious disease affecting the lungs.

Halophiles

Microorganisms that thrive in high salt concentrations.

Methanogens

Archaea that produce methane as a metabolic byproduct in anoxic conditions.

Extremophiles

Organisms that thrive in extreme environmental conditions.