Classification of Microorganisms

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology from the lecture on the classification of microorganisms in microbiology.

Five Kingdom System

A classification system proposing that all organisms belong to one of five kingdoms based on phenotypic properties.

Eukaryota

Organisms with complex cells that contain a nucleus, evolved from prokaryotic cells according to the Five Kingdom System.

Prokaryote

Organisms whose cells lack a nucleus, including bacteria and archaea.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA, used in the molecular techniques to determine evolutionary relationships in the Three Domain System.

Molecular Phylogeny

The study of evolutionary relationships based on molecular data, such as the sequence of nucleotides in rRNA.

Domains

The highest taxonomic rank that groups all living cells into three categories: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya.

Bergey's Manual

A reference book that classifies prokaryotes into two domains, Archaea and Bacteria, based on molecular phylogeny.

Differential Staining

A method used for classifying microorganisms based on their cell wall structure, such as Gram staining.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A DNA technology used to amplify specific DNA sequences for identification of microorganisms.

Serology

A molecular identification method that measures antibodies or cytokine production against a microbial antigen.