Prokaryotic Diversity Review

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts related to prokaryotic diversity, including the differences between Bacteria and Archaea, classifications of different bacteria, and important representative species.

Prokaryotic Domains

The two major domains of prokaryotes are Bacteria and Archaea, differing significantly in their genetic and biochemical properties.

Gram-positive Bacteria

Bacteria that retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure, characterized by a thick peptidoglycan layer.

Gram-negative Bacteria

Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain, characterized by a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane.

Proteobacteria

A major phylum of Gram-negative bacteria, which includes proteobacteria grouped into five classes based on their evolutionary relationships.

Agrobacterium

A member of Alphaproteobacteria that is known for causing crown gall disease in plants.

Rickettsia

Obligate intracellular parasites transmitted by arthropods, belonging to Alphaproteobacteria.

Chlamydia

Obligate intracellular parasites, transmitted by direct contact or respiratory droplets, within the Alphaproteobacteria.

Helicobacter

A genus of Epsilonproteobacteria that includes species known for causing stomach ulcers.

Spirochetes

A group of non-proteobacteria Gram-negative bacteria, characterized by their spiral shape and notable members like Treponema and Borrelia.

Cyanobacteria

A group of photosynthetic prokaryotes that release oxygen, often containing specialized cells called heterocysts for nitrogen fixation.

Clostridium

A genus of low G:C Gram-positive bacteria known for its endospore-forming capabilities and includes species like C. botulinum.

Methanogens

A group of archaea that are obligate anaerobes, known for reducing carbon compounds to produce methane gas.

Halobacteria

Extremophilic archaea that thrive in high saline environments.

Nitrifying Bacteria

Bacteria that perform nitrification, converting ammonia into nitrates and nitrites; includes Nitrobacter and Nitrosomonas.

Desulvibrio

A genus of Deltaproteobacteria that are known for their ability to reduce sulfate.

Bacillus

A genus of endospore-forming Gram-positive bacteria that include notable pathogens such as B. anthracis.

Streptomyces

A genus of high G:C Gram-positive bacteria known for producing antibiotics and having a complex life cycle.