prokaryotes and eukaryotes

plasmids

where DNA is found in prokaryotes

Plastid

organelles in plants & algae

stromatolite

layered rocks that form from

prokaryotes binding thin films of sedimented

minerals together

microbiome

all the microbes living in and on an organism (gut microbiome)

horizontal transmission

gene transfer between unrelated cells (ex. Plasmids)

vertical transmission

passing genes from parent to offspring

heterocyst

specialized nitrogen fixing cell

metabolite cross feeding

one microbe produces waste or byproducts that another microbe uses

biofilm

stick microbial community stuck to surface

biofilm example

plaque on teeth

quorum sensing

how bacteria communicate based on population size

Autoinducer

chemical signal used in quorum sensing to regulate group behavior