Domain Archaea – Vocabulary Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, structures, metabolic pathways, ecological roles, and applications related to the domain Archaea.

Archaea

A distinct domain of prokaryotic microorganisms characterized by unique cell membrane lipids, lack of peptidoglycan, and often extremophilic lifestyles.

Prokaryote

An organism whose cells lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Ether-linked lipids

Membrane lipids in Archaea composed of glycerol bonded to isoprene chains via ether bonds, providing stability in extreme conditions.

Isoprene chains

Branched hydrocarbon chains in archaeal membrane lipids that enhance membrane rigidity and heat tolerance.

Pseudopeptidoglycan

A polysaccharide-protein cell-wall component in many Archaea that replaces bacterial peptidoglycan.

Nucleoid

Region in prokaryotic cells where circular DNA is located, not enclosed by a membrane.

Histone-like proteins

DNA-associated proteins in Archaea that resemble eukaryotic histones and aid in DNA packaging.

Binary fission

Asexual reproduction method in which a single prokaryotic cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells.

Methanogenesis

Unique archaeal metabolic pathway that produces methane under anaerobic conditions.

Methanogens

Archaea that generate methane, typically inhabiting anaerobic environments such as swamps and animal guts.

Halophiles

Salt-loving Archaea that thrive in environments with high salinity, such as salt lakes or evaporation ponds.

Thermophiles

Heat-loving Archaea that flourish at high temperatures, often in hot springs or hydrothermal vents.

Acidophiles

Archaea able to survive and grow in highly acidic environments.

Thaumarchaeota

A phylum of Archaea important in global nitrogen cycling, particularly ammonia oxidation.

Extremophiles

Organisms, often Archaea, that live in extreme temperature, pH, salinity, or pressure conditions.

Biogeochemical cycles

Natural processes that recycle elements like carbon and nitrogen; Archaea play key roles in these cycles.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) enzymes

Heat-stable enzymes, often derived from thermophilic Archaea, used to amplify DNA in biotechnology.

Halophilic respiration

Energy-producing process in some halophilic Archaea that uses chloride pumps or compatible solutes to generate ATP.