Introduction to Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Microorganisms

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing structural features, transport mechanisms, organelle functions, and cell wall compositions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes based on the lecture transcript.

Prokaryotic Microbes

Microorganisms that include bacteria and archaea.

Eukaryotic Microbes

Microorganisms that include fungi, protozoa, algae, and parasitic worms.

DNA

An instruction manual for prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes stored in chromosomes that requires compaction because it is much longer than microbial cells.

Supercoiling

A compaction process in prokaryotes that turns DNA into an o shape.

70s Ribosome

The ribosome found in prokaryotes, consisting of 50s and 30s subunits.

80s Ribosome

The ribosome found in eukaryotes, consisting of 60s and 40s subunits.

Cytoplasm

A gelatinous fluid that houses internal cell structures and provides structure and shape to the cells.

Cell Membrane

Also called cytoplasmic membrane or plasma membrane; functions in nutrient transport and maintaining energy gradients.

Ether Linkages

The type of phospholipid linkage found in the cell membranes of archaea.

Ester Linkages

The type of phospholipid linkage found in the cell membranes of bacteria and eukaryotes.

Hapenoids

Chemicals used to maintain cell membrane fluidity in bacteria.

Cholesterol

Chemical used to maintain cell membrane fluidity in eukaryotes.

Osmosis

The movement where lower concentration goes to higher concentration through diffusion.

Primary Active Transport

A transport process, such as the sodium and potassium pump, that uses the energy of ATP hydrolysis to establish a concentration gradient of sodium.

Secondary Active Transport

Transport where sodium moving with its concentration gradient established by the sodium and potassium pump drives the transport of glucose against its concentration gradient.

Endocytosis

A nutrient transport process that occurs only in eukaryotes.

Cell Wall

A structure shared by prokaryotes and eukaryotes that functions to protect the cell from osmotic forces.

Peptidoglycan

Also known as murine; the chemical composition found in bacterial cell walls.

Pseudopeptidoglycan

Also known as pseudo morin; the chemical composition found in archaeal cell walls.

Chitin

The chemical component present in fungal cell walls.

Biofilm

A slimy group of bacteria formed via quorum sensing that attaches to surfaces such as rocks, metal, plastic, and teeth.

Quorum Sensing

A process where bacteria send out chemical signals that trigger congregation.

Inclusion Bodies

Unique prokaryotic structures used to hoard or store different types of materials.

Plasmids

Unique prokaryotic structures containing extra DNA or genes.

Endospores

Structures formed by vegetative bacterial cells upon entering stress to survive adverse conditions.

Rough ER

A eukaryotic membrane-bound organelle whose function is protein synthesis.

Smooth ER

A eukaryotic membrane-bound organelle whose function is lipid synthesis.

Golgi Body

A eukaryotic organelle responsible for packaging, modification, and shipping.

Vesicles

Eukaryotic organelles whose function is transport.

Lysosome

A eukaryotic organelle whose function is digestion.

Mitochondrion

A eukaryotic organelle whose function is the powerhouse of the cell.

Peroxisome

A eukaryotic organelle whose function is to break down peroxide.

Chloroplasts

Eukaryotic structures that capture light from the sun and use energy from light to generate organic matter.

Microtubules

Structures that serve as the building blocks of many eukaryotic structures.