The Prokaryotes, Bacteria & Archaea

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to prokaryotes, including their structure, function, reproduction, diversity, and ecological roles.

Prokaryotes

Unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and other organelles.

Bacteria

One of the two domains of prokaryotes, characterized by the presence of peptidoglycan in their cell walls.

Archaea

The second domain of prokaryotes, often found in extreme environments and lacking peptidoglycan in cell walls.

Taxis

The movement of an organism toward or away from certain stimuli.

Peptidoglycan

A polymer that composes bacterial cell walls, providing structural support.

Fimbriae

Hairlike appendages that help prokaryotes adhere to surfaces.

Capsule

A sticky layer that helps prokaryotic cells adhere to surfaces and evade the immune system.

Flagella

Long appendages that provide motility to many prokaryotic cells.

Binary fission

The asexual reproduction method of prokaryotes in which a cell divides into two identical cells.

Transformation

The process by which a prokaryotic cell takes up and incorporates foreign DNA from its environment.

Conjugation

A process where genetic material is transferred between two bacterial cells that are temporarily joined.

Transduction

The transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another by a virus.

Autotrophs

Organisms that obtain energy from inorganic sources and require CO2 as a carbon source.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain their carbon from organic compounds.

Biofilms

Surface-coating colonies of prokaryotes that exhibit metabolic cooperation.

Symbiosis

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

Exotoxins

Toxic substances secreted by prokaryotes that can cause disease even if the bacteria are not present.

Endotoxins

Toxins that are released only when bacteria die and their cell walls break down.

Pathogens

Microorganisms that can cause disease.

Antibiotics

Medications that can inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics.