BIO205: EXAM PREP CHAP 1

Cocci

Spherical-shaped microbes, e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Bacilli

Rod-shaped microbes, e.g., Bacillus cereus.

Bacterial Endospores

Dormant, highly resistant structures formed by some bacteria for survival.

Fungal Budding

Asexual reproduction in yeasts where a new organism develops from a bud.

Microbial Taxonomy

The science of classifying organisms based on similarities.

Binomial Nomenclature

A two-part naming system for organisms, consisting of genus and species.

Germ Theory of Disease

The theory proposing that microorganisms cause many diseases.

Pasteur's Swan-Neck Flask Experiment

An experiment that disproved spontaneous generation by showing life arises from existing life.

Prokaryotic

Cell type that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, found in bacteria and archaea.

Eukaryotic

Cell type that has a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, found in eukarya.

Methanobrevibacter smithii

Anaerobic archaea found in the human gut, producing methane as a metabolic byproduct.

Plasmodium falciparum

Protozoan parasite that causes the most severe form of malaria.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Eukaryotic fungus used in baking and brewing, known as baker's yeast.

Histones

Proteins associated with DNA in eukaryotic cells, but absent in bacteria.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

RNA component of ribosomes; unique sequences used for phylogenetic analysis.

Spirilla

Spiral-shaped microbes.

Vibrios

Comma-shaped bacteria.

Extremophiles

Organisms that thrive in extreme environmental conditions, such as certain archaea.

Aseptic Technique

Methods used to prevent contamination by unwanted microorganisms.

Peptidoglycan

A polymer that makes up the cell wall of bacteria.

Pseudopeptidoglycan

Substance found in the cell walls of archaea, differing from peptidoglycan.

Electron Microscope

Microscope capable of visualizing viruses; used because viruses are too small for light microscopy.