Prokaryotic Cell Structure, Bacteria, and Archaea

Vocabulary flashcards from a lecture on Prokaryotic Cell Structure, Bacteria, and Archaea.

Coccus

Spherical bacterial cell shape.

Bacillus

Rod-shaped bacterial cell shape.

Vibrio

Curved bacterial cell shape.

Diplococci

Pairs of cocci.

Diplobacilli

Pairs of bacilli.

Tetrad

Groups of four cocci.

Sarcina

Cube-like arrangement of eight cocci.

Staphylococci

Grape-like clusters of cocci.

Streptococci

Chains of cocci.

Streptobacilli

Chains of bacilli.

Pallisades

Similar to Streptobacilli, where cells are side by side.

Coccobacilli

Short rods.

Spirilla

Helical-shaped/corkscrew form.

Planktonic

Free-floating single cells.

Adherent

Single cell attached to substrate or another cell.

Sessile

Adherent bacteria in a biofilm.

Biofilm

A community of bacteria made of sticky secreted polysaccharide and glycoprotein complexes, providing stability for bacterial adherence and aid in immune system evasion.

Cytoplasm

Water-based solution filling the entire cell.

Ribosomes

Tiny organelles made of protein and RNA that serve as sites for protein synthesis.

Bacterial Chromosome

Bacterial DNA in the nucleoid region.

Plasmid

Free-floating DNA that is not part of the chromosome.

Cytoplasmic Membrane

Thin membrane of lipid and protein that surrounds the cytoplasm and controls flow of material.

S Layer

Single layer of protein used for protection and/or attachment.

Bacterial chromosome or nucleoid

Composed of condensed DNA molecules which direct all genetics and heredity of the cell and codes for all proteins.

Fimbriae

Fine, hairlike bristles extending from the cell surface that help in adhesion to other cells and surfaces.

Cell wall

A semirigid casing that provides structural support and shape for the cell.

Cytoskeleton

Long fibers of proteins that encircle the cell just inside the cytoplasmic membrane and contribute to the shape of the cell.

Pilus

An appendage used for drawing another bacterium close in order to transfer DNA to it.

Glycocalyx

A coating or layer of molecules external to the cell wall that serves protective, adhesive, and receptor functions.

Inclusion/Granule

Stored nutrients such as fat, phosphate, or glycogen deposited in dense crystals or particles that can be tapped into when needed.

Bacterial microcompartments

Protein coated packets used to localize enzymes and other proteins in the cytoplasm

Nanotubes/Nanowires

Thin tubular membrane extensions that allow bacteria to transmit electrons or nutrients to other bacteria or onto environmental surfaces.

Endospore

Dormant body formed within some bacteria that allows for their survival in adverse conditions.

Flagellum

Specialized appendage attached to the cell by a basal body that holds a long, rotating filament. The movement pushes the cell forward and provides motility.

Teichoic acid and lipoteichoic

Gram positive bacteria enriched acid.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

The lipid portion of LPS is also called endotoxin - it is recognized by the immune system and can cause fever.

Monotrichous

Single Flagellum.

Lophotrichous

Tufts of Flagella emerging from one site on bacteria.

Amphitrichous

Flagella at both poles of a cell.

Peritrichous

Flagella randomly dispersed all over cell.

Chemotaxis

Movement based on the presence of chemical signals.

Microcompartments (MC’s)

Small internal storage and cell signaling compartments; protein enclosed structures.

Methanogens

Can convert CO2 and H2 into methane gas (CH4) and can live in swamps, thermal vents, and anaerobic conditions.

Halophiles

Can live in incredibly high salt concentrations.

Hyperthermophiles

Live in extremely hot environments.

Psychrophilic

Live in extremely cold environments.