introduction to prokaryotes: Unit 3, Chapter 12

Prokaryotes

Small and structurally simple organisms that lack a nucleus and internal membranes.

Microbial mats

Multilayer sheets of prokaryotes that formed around 3.5 billion years ago.

Stromatolite

A sedimentary structure formed by the precipitation of minerals by prokaryotes.

Eukaryotes

Organisms thought to have evolved from prokaryotes and have a nucleus and internal membranes.

Universal ancestry

The concept that all living organisms share a common ancestor.

Domain Eukarya

One of the three domains of life, consisting of eukaryotic organisms.

Domain Archaea

One of the three domains of life, consisting of prokaryotic organisms.

Habitats of prokaryotes

Prokaryotes can be found in various habitats, including soil, water, bodies of other organisms, rocks, hot springs, salt lakes, seafloor, and underground.

Culturing prokaryotes

The process of growing and studying prokaryotes in a laboratory setting.

Non-culturable prokaryotes

Prokaryotes that cannot be grown using traditional culture methods and are often studied using DNA analysis techniques.

Biofilms

Microbial communities held together by a gummy substance, which protect prokaryotes from the environment and allow cells within the biofilm to communicate and collaborate.

Microbial mat

A large and thick biofilm that is visible to the naked eye.