Types of Microorganisms and Taxonomy

These flashcards cover the types of microorganisms, classification systems, and nomenclature essential for understanding microbiology.

Prokaryotic

Cells that lack a nucleus, including bacteria and archaebacteria.

Eukaryotic

Cells that contain a nucleus, encompassing all other cellular life.

Bacteria

Prokaryotic microorganisms that are unicellular.

Protozoa

Eukaryotic, often motile microorganisms that are unicellular.

Algae

Eukaryotic organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular and are photosynthetic.

Fungi

Eukaryotic organisms that can be unicellular (yeasts) or multicellular (molds and mushrooms).

Helminths

Eukaryotic, multicellular worms.

Viruses

Non-cellular (acellular) obligate intracellular parasites.

Taxonomy

The science of naming and classifying organisms to understand their unity and diversity.

Kingdom

A taxonomic rank that includes major groups of organisms, traditionally Animals and Plants.

Binomial Nomenclature

A system of naming organisms, using the genus and species names, italicized or underlined.