Introduction to Microbes: Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes, and Viruses

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the introductory lecture covering key biological terms, prokaryotic and eukaryotic structures, and viral classifications.

Archaea

Primitive, early forms of bacteria that preceded modern bacteria and from which bacteria evolved.

Virus

A non-living particle composed of nucleic acid wrapped in protein that cannot replicate independently and requires a host organism.

Microbe

Technically a living cell or organism too small to be seen without a microscope, though non-cellular particles like viruses are also classified as microbes because they behave like them.

Parasite

A generic term for an entity that can only replicate inside another living organism, known as the host.

Obligate Intracellular Parasite

A specialized parasite, such as a virus, that is required to enter individual host cells to replicate.

Norovirus

A common human intestinal virus that causes $24$ to $48$ hours of severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Prokaryotic Cell

A relatively small cell that lacks internal compartments, organelles, and a nucleus, with all essential components floating freely in the cytoplasm.

Eukaryotic Cell

A complex cell, typically $10$ to $100$ times larger than a prokaryotic cell, that contains internal compartments and organelles such as a nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and mitochondria.