Practical Lab #1

Archaea

Prokaryotic organisms distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes.

Eukarya

Domain consisting of eukaryotic organisms with membrane-bound nuclei.

Bacteria

Prokaryotic organisms characterized by the absence of membrane-bound organelles.

Prokaryotic

Organisms without a membrane-bound nucleus or organelles.

Nucleoid region

Area in prokaryotic cells where a single circular loop of DNA is located.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms.

Gram-positive bacteria (GPB)

Bacteria with cell walls containing a large amount of peptidoglycan.

Pathogens

Microorganisms capable of causing disease in a host organism.

Gram-negative bacteria (GNB)

Bacteria characterized by a thinner layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls.

Peptidoglycan

A polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids that forms a mesh-like layer in bacterial cell walls.

Symbionts

Organisms that live in close, long-term associations with another organism, known as the host.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic bacteria also referred to as blue-green algae.

Binary fission

A method of asexual reproduction in which a cell duplicates its components and divides into two.

Bacilli

Rod-shaped bacteria.

Autotrophic

Organisms that derive energy from photosynthesis or inorganic molecule oxidation.

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction without the need for gametes from another organism.

Cocci

Spherical-shaped bacteria.

Heterocyst

Specialized cells in some cyanobacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain energy from organic molecules made by other organisms.

Spirilla

Spiral-shaped bacteria.

Gelatinous sheath

A thick and sticky layer found surrounding certain bacterial cells.

Gram staining

A laboratory technique used to differentiate bacterial species based on their cell wall structure.

Eukaryotic

Organisms with a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles.

Algae

Plant-like organisms that generally inhabit water.

Protozoa

Heterotrophic, motile organisms that are generally considered animal-like.

Pellicle

A flexible layer of protein bands located beneath the plasma membrane in some organisms.

Mixotrophs

Organisms that are autotrophic in sunlight and can become heterotrophic when light is unavailable.

Unicellular

Organisms that consist of a single cell.

Filamentous

Organisms composed of chain-like structures of cells.

Kinetoplast

A large mitochondrial structure containing DNA found in certain protozoa.

Pseudopodia

Amoeboid extensions of the body used for movement and feeding.

Cilia

Tiny, hair-like structures that project from the surface of cells.

Transverse fission

A type of asexual reproduction resulting in two genetically similar individuals.

Plasmodium

A mass of brightly colored cytoplasm that stream along forest floors in some slime molds.

Hyphae

Slender filaments of fungal tissue.

Oogonia

The female sex organs in certain algae and fungi that produce eggs.

Oospores

Thick-walled zygotes formed during fertilization in certain algae.

Haustoria

Structures that penetrate host cells to absorb nutrients.

Coenocytic

Multinucleate structures formed by the fusion of cells.

Gametangia

Structures that produce gametes in certain fungi.

Antheridia

Male sex organs in certain algae that produce sperm.

Conidia

Asexual spores produced by certain fungi that are non-motile.

Mycorrhizae

Symbiotic associations between plant roots and fungi that enhance nutrient exchange.

Sporangia

Asexual reproductive structures that produce spores in fungi.

Karyogamy

The fusion of two haploid nuclei during fertilization in fungi.

Mycelium

The mass of hyphae that constitutes the body of a fungus.

Chitin

A polysaccharide that forms the exoskeleton of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi.

Fragmentation

A form of asexual reproduction where an organism breaks into pieces, each capable of regenerating.

Basidiomycota

Fungi that produce spores in a structure called a basidium.

Spores

Haploid reproductive cells in fungi that can develop into new individuals.

Plasmogamy

The initial union of the cytoplasm of two parent cells in fungal reproduction.

Rhizoids

Root-like structures found in some plants that help anchor them.

Basidiospores

Spores produced by basidiomycetes, typically through sexual reproduction.