Prokaryotes: Bacteria and Archaea Lecture Review

These flashcards review key concepts related to prokaryotes, their diversity, reproduction, roles in ecosystems, and their impact on human health.

What are prokaryotes and what domains do they belong to?

Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms that make up the domains Bacteria and Archaea.

What is horizontal gene transfer and why is it significant?

Horizontal gene transfer is the movement of genes between individual prokaryotes of different species, playing a key role in their evolution.

What is the main difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria?

Gram-positive bacteria have simpler walls with a large amount of peptidoglycan, while Gram-negative bacteria have more complex walls and an outer membrane that includes lipopolysaccharides.

What are the three mechanisms of genetic recombination in prokaryotes?

The three mechanisms are transformation, transduction, and conjugation.

What is the function of the F factor in bacteria?

The F factor is a piece of DNA required for the production of pili for DNA transfer during conjugation.

How do prokaryotes obtain energy and carbon?

Prokaryotes can be categorized as phototrophs, chemotrophs, autotrophs, and heterotrophs based on their energy and carbon sources.

What is a biofilm?

A biofilm is a surface-coating colony of one or more prokaryote species that cooperate to use resources.

What are the roles of prokaryotes in ecological interactions?

Prokaryotes play roles in chemical cycling, symbiotic relationships, and are crucial for ecosystems such as hydrothermal vents.

What are some examples of diseases caused by bacteria?

Examples include gonorrhea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae, and Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.

What is antibiotic resistance and how does it develop?

Antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria to survive despite antibiotic treatment, developed through rapid reproduction and horizontal gene transfer.