Classification of Microorganisms

These flashcards encompass key concepts regarding the classification and characteristics of microorganisms, including their evolutionary relationships, taxonomic categories, and methods of identification.

Domain Eukarya

Includes the Kingdoms Fungi, Plantae, Animalia, and protists.

Prokaryotes

Organisms without a nucleus, including Bacteria and Archaea.

Symbiogenesis

Theory that eukaryotic cells developed from a symbiotic relationship between prokaryotic cells.

Endosymbiotic theory

Suggests that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from free-living bacteria.

Phylogenetic tree

Grouping of organisms based on common ancestry and characteristics.

Cladogram

Diagram that shows evolutionary relationships among organisms based on shared characteristics.

Binomial nomenclature

System of naming organisms using a two-part name: genus and species.

Antigen

Substance that triggers an immune response; important in serological testing.

Phylogenetics

The study of evolutionary relationships among biological entities.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that retain the crystal violet stain used in Gram staining.

Horizontal gene transfer

The movement of genetic material between organisms other than through vertical transmission.

DNA hybridization

Process of combining complementary DNA strands to assess genetic similarities.

Flow cytometry

Technique for analyzing the physical and chemical characteristics of cells.

Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs)

Techniques like PCR that amplify specific DNA or RNA sequences to detect microorganisms.

Wet laboratory

Laboratory that conducts experiments with live organisms or biological samples.

MALDI-TOF

Mass spectrometry technique used to identify microorganisms by their protein profiles.

Serotyping

Classification of strains of microorganisms based on the antigens present.