CH 16 Phylogenetic Diversity of Bacteria

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the phylogenetic diversity of bacteria as discussed in the lecture notes.

Proteobacteria

Largest and most metabolically diverse phylum of bacteria, containing a variety of species important in medicine and agriculture.

Actinobacteria

Phylum characterized by high G+C content in their genomic DNA; includes many important soil bacteria.

Firmicutes

Phylum of gram-positive bacteria known for their ability to form endospores and lactic acid.

Bacteroidetes

Phylum comprising bacteria that play a crucial role in the degradation of complex organic materials.

16S ribosomal RNA

A component of the ribosome used to classify bacteria and differentiate species.

Horizontal gene flow

The transfer of genetic material between organisms in a manner other than traditional reproduction.

Alphaproteobacteria

Class within Proteobacteria, includes many obligate aerobes and oligotrophic species.

Rickettsiales

An order of Alphaproteobacteria, includes obligate intracellular parasites like Rickettsia.

Bartonella

Genus of Alphaproteobacteria known for its obligate intracellular lifestyle and association with arthropods.

Methylobacterium

A genus of Alphaproteobacteria that serves as a methylotroph, found on plants and in soil.

Nitrobacter

A genus of bacteria that plays a key role in the nitrification process, oxidizing nitrite to nitrate.

Sphingomonadales

Order in Alphaproteobacteria noted for its diverse metabolic capabilities, including biodegradation.

Gamma-proteobacteria

Class of Proteobacteria known for its significant diversity, including many human pathogens.

Enterobacteriales

Order encompassing enteric bacteria that ferment sugars and include notable pathogens like E. coli.

Facultative anaerobes

Organisms that can survive with or without oxygen.

Oxidase test

A biochemical test used to determine if an organism produces certain cytochrome enzymes.

Mixed-acid fermentation

Fermentation pattern producing several organic acids and gases.

Butanediol fermentation

Fermentation pathway that produces butanediol as a primary product, utilized by some Enterobacteriales.

Escherichia

A genus within Enterobacteriales, includes the common gut bacterium E. coli.

Salmonella

Genus of bacteria often pathogenic in humans, causing diseases such as typhoid fever.

Proteus

A genus of Enterobacteriales known for its motility and ability to cause urinary tract infections.

Pseudomonas

A genus within Gammaproteobacteria, characterized by its metabolic diversity and resistance to antibiotics.

Vibrio

A genus of bacteria that includes species known to cause cholera.

Deltaproteobacteria

Class of Proteobacteria including sulfate-reducing bacteria and bacterial predators.

Epsilonproteobacteria

Class of gram-negative bacteria that includes Campylobacter and Helicobacter.

Mycobacterium

Genus of Actinobacteria known for its acid-fast cell wall and pathogenic species.

Chlamydiae

Group of obligate intracellular parasites, including notable genera like Chlamydia.

Lactobacillus

Genus of lactic acid bacteria used in fermentation, contributing to the production of yogurt.

Streptococcus

Genus of bacteria known for some species being pathogenic, important in dairy fermentation.

Sarcina

Genus within Clostridiales known for its unique packet-forming cell division.

Endospore

A resistant asexual spore that develops inside some bacteria.

Filamentous Actinobacteria

Bacteria that form hyphae and mycelium structures, including Streptomyces.

Pseudomonadales

An order under Gammaproteobacteria known for aerobic bacterial species.

Anoxygenic phototrophs

Bacteria that can photosynthesize without producing oxygen, distinct from oxygenic phototrophs.

Oligotrophic

Organisms that grow in environments with low nutrient concentrations.

Rhizobiales

An order of Alphaproteobacteria, contains genera that form symbiotic nitrogen-fixing root nodules.

Nitrification

The biological oxidation of ammonia to nitrate.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining protocol.

Oxygenic phototrophs

Organisms that use light for energy and produce oxygen as a byproduct.

Bioremediation

The use of microorganisms to remove or neutralize contaminants from the environment.

Peptidoglycan

A polymer that forms a structural component of the bacterial cell wall.