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Bacterial Growth Rate
The rate at which bacterial populations increase, often described using the exponential growth model.
Binary Fission
A method of asexual reproduction in bacteria where a single cell divides into two identical cells.
Antibiotics
Medicinal compounds that inhibit the growth of or kill bacteria, used to treat bacterial infections.
Biofilm
A complex community of microorganisms encased in a protective layer, adhering to surfaces.
Pathogenic Bacteria
Bacteria that can cause disease in a host organism.
Nutritional Types of Bacteria
Classified based on their energy and carbon sources, including autotrophs and heterotrophs.
Aerobic Bacteria
Bacteria that require oxygen for growth.
Anaerobic Bacteria
Bacteria that do not require oxygen to grow and may even be harmed by it.
Facultative Anaerobes
Bacteria that can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen.
Transduction
A process by which bacteriophages transfer genetic material between bacteria.
Transformation
The uptake of free DNA by a bacterial cell from its environment.
Conjugation
The process by which two bacteria connect and transfer genetic material through direct contact.
Plasmids
Small, circular pieces of DNA in bacteria that can carry genes, often involved in antibiotic resistance.
Lysogenic Cycle
A viral replication cycle where the virus integrates its genetic material into the host's genome.
Lytic Cycle
The viral replication cycle that results in the destruction of the host cell.
Horizontal Gene Transfer
The transfer of genetic material between organisms in a manner other than traditional reproduction.
Bioremediation
The use of microorganisms to degrade environmental contaminants into less toxic forms.
Viral Structure
Viral particles containing nucleic acid and a protein coat, varying in complexity among viruses.
Culture Media
Nutrient solutions used to grow microorganisms in a laboratory setting.
Immunology
The study of the immune system and its response to pathogens.
Vaccination
The process of introducing a vaccine into the body to provoke an immune response.
Antigen
A substance that induces an immune response, typically a foreign protein or carbohydrate.
Antibodies
Blood proteins produced by the immune system to neutralize or destroy pathogens.
Microbiome
A community of microorganisms living in a particular environment, such as the human gut.
Bacteriophage
A virus that infects and replicates within bacteria.
Flagellar Arrangements
Different structural formations of flagella in bacteria, influencing their motility.
Transposon
A DNA sequence that can change its position within the genome, sometimes creating mutations.
Functions of Prokaryotes
Prokaryotes carry out essential functions such as recycling nutrients, decomposing organic matter, and participating in biogeochemical cycles.
Nitrogen Fixation
A process carried out by some prokaryotes that converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants.
Fermentation
An anaerobic process used by some prokaryotes to convert sugars into acids, gases, or alcohol, producing energy.
Decomposition
The breakdown of organic material by prokaryotes, which recycles nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Symbiosis
A mutually beneficial relationship between prokaryotes and other organisms, such as those in the human gut microbiome.
Bioremediation Processes
The utilization of prokaryotes to clean up polluted environments by degrading toxic compounds.
Photosynthesis in Cyanobacteria
A process in which cyanobacteria (a type of prokaryote) convert sunlight into chemical energy, producing oxygen.
Cell Wall
A rigid layer that provides structural support and protection to prokaryotic cells.
Plasma Membrane
A semi-permeable membrane that regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell.
Cytoplasm
The gel-like substance inside the cell where metabolic processes occur.
Ribosomes
Molecular machines within prokaryotic cells that synthesize proteins.
Nucleus-like Region
Area in prokaryotic cells where the DNA is located, but not enclosed by a membrane.
Pili
Short, hair-like structures that help in the attachment of cells to surfaces and in conjugation.
Storage Granules
Inclusions within prokaryotic cells that store nutrients or other substances.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (absent in prokaryotes)
A network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis, absent in prokaryotic cells.
Golgi Apparatus (absent in prokaryotes)
A cellular organelle that processes and ships proteins; not found in prokaryotes.
Cytoskeleton
A network of fibers that helps maintain cell shape and assists in cell division, though less complex in prokaryotes than in eukaryotes.
Methanogens
Archaea that produce methane as a metabolic byproduct, often found in anaerobic environments.
Halophiles
Archaea that thrive in high-salt environments, such as salt flats and saline lakes.
Thermophiles
Archaea that grow optimally at high temperatures, often found in hot springs and hydrothermal vents.
Psychrophiles
Archaea that thrive in extremely cold environments, such as polar ice and deep sea.
Acidophiles
Archaea that thrive in highly acidic environments, such as acid mine drainage.
Alkaliphiles
Archaea that can survive in alkaline environments, such as soda lakes.
Sulfate-reducing Archaea
Archaea that reduce sulfate to sulfide during metabolism, often found in marine sediments.
Hyperthermophiles
Archaea that flourish at temperatures above 80°C, typically found in deep-sea hydrothermal vents.
Methanogenic pathways
Biochemical processes used by methanogens to produce methane from substrates like acetate and carbon dioxide.
Fimbriae
Short, hair-like appendages that help bacteria adhere to surfaces.
Pili
Longer, hair-like structures used for attachment and conjugation, allowing bacterial cells to connect with each other.
