Biology diversity in plants

Taxonomy

The science of naming and classifying organisms.

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history of a species.

Binomial Nomenclature

The two-part scientific naming system ($Genus$ + $species$).

Taxon

A specific level within the classification hierarchy (e.g., Kingdom or Phylum).

Morphology

Classification based on physical structure and appearance.

Species

A group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.

Dichotomous Key

A branching tool used to identify organisms through a series of paired choices.

Eukaryote

Organisms with complex cells containing a nucleus.

Prokaryote

Simple, single-celled organisms without a nucleus.

Autotroph

An organism that produces its own food (producer).

Heterotroph

An organism that must consume others for energy (consumer).

Archaea

Domain of single-celled organisms often found in extreme environments.

Bacteria

Domain of ubiquitous single-celled organisms with peptidoglycan in their cell walls.

Peptidoglycan

The specific polymer that makes up bacterial cell walls.

Extremophile

An organism that thrives in conditions lethal to most life (heat, acid, salt).

Binary Fission

The asexual reproduction method where one cell splits into two.

Conjugation

The transfer of genetic material between bacterial cells via a bridge (pilus).

Endospore

A dormant, tough structure produced by bacteria to survive harsh conditions.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic bacteria responsible for producing much of Earth's oxygen.

Virus

A non-living infectious agent made of genetic material inside a protein coat.

Capsid

The protein shell surrounding the viral genome.

Bacteriophage

A virus that specifically infects bacteria.

Lytic Cycle

The reproductive cycle where the virus breaks open (lyses) the host cell immediately.

Lysogenic Cycle

The cycle where viral DNA integrates into the host genome and remains 'hidden.'

Provirus/Prophage

The viral DNA that has been inserted into the host cell's DNA.

Retrovirus

A virus that uses RNA and an enzyme (reverse transcriptase) to create DNA inside a host.