Bacteria and Archaea - Key Concepts

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to bacteria and archaea as discussed in the lecture notes.

Prokaryotic

Organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus; includes bacteria and archaea.

Human Microbiome

The community of microbes that naturally inhabit the body or parts of the body.

Extremophiles

Microorganisms that thrive in extreme environments, such as hydrothermal vents and high-salinity habitats.

Koch's Postulates

Four criteria established to demonstrate a causal link between a microbe and a disease.

Germ Theory of Disease

Theory that some diseases are caused by infections from microorganisms.

Virulence

The ability of a pathogen to cause disease.

Endospores

Dormant, tough structures formed by some bacteria during times of environmental stress.

Bioremediation

The use of bacteria and archaea to clean up polluted environments.

Metagenomics

The study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which certain bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3) usable by living organisms.

Lateral Gene Transfer

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

Gram Stain

A method of staining bacterial cells to distinguish between gram-positive and gram-negative cell wall types.

Chemoorganotrophs

Organisms that obtain their energy by oxidizing organic compounds.

Phototrophs

Organisms that obtain energy from light.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food from inorganic substances.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain their food by consuming organic substances.

Oxygenic Photosynthesis

The process by which certain organisms, such as cyanobacteria, convert light energy into chemical energy while producing oxygen.

Biofilms

Complex microbial communities that adhere to surfaces, often encased in a protective matrix.