Prokaryotic Cell Structure, Morphology & Gram Staining

Vocabulary flashcards based on the structure and morphology of prokaryotic cells and Gram staining.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells contain a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles.

Coccus

Spherical-shaped bacteria.

Bacillus

Rod-shaped bacteria.

Spirillum

Helically coiled bacteria.

Peptidoglycan

A structural component of the bacterial cell wall.

Gram-Positive Bacteria

Bacteria with a thick peptidoglycan layer that appear purple in Gram stain.

Gram-Negative Bacteria

Bacteria with a thin peptidoglycan layer that appear pink/red in Gram stain.

Crystal Violet

The primary stain used in the Gram staining procedure.

Teichoic Acids

Compounds present in the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria.

Glycocalyx

A layer of polysaccharides on the outside of the cell wall, which can form a capsule or slime layer.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures used for motility in bacteria.

Endospores

Highly resistant structures formed by some bacteria, allowing survival under extreme conditions.

Active Transport

The process of moving molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).

Kirby-Bauer Test

A method used to test the effectiveness of antibiotics against bacteria.