Microbiology - Prokaryotes

A collection of flashcards focusing on key vocabulary and concepts related to prokaryotes and microbiology topics covered in the lecture.

Prokaryotes

Oldest, structurally simplest, and most abundant forms of life.

Extremophiles

Organisms that survive in extreme environments.

Bacteria

One of the two domains of prokaryotes, typically with peptidoglycan cell walls.

Archaea

One of the two domains of prokaryotes, often extremophiles with distinct membrane lipids.

Nucleoid

Region in prokaryotic cells containing the single circular chromosome.

Binary Fission

A method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes, where a cell replicates its genome and divides.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

The transfer of genes between organisms in a manner other than traditional reproduction.

Peptidoglycan

A polymer that makes up the cell wall of bacteria, providing structural support.

Gram-positive Bacteria

Bacteria that have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls.

Gram-negative Bacteria

Bacteria that have a thin layer of peptidoglycan and an outer membrane.

Chemoorganoheterotrophs

Organisms that obtain carbon from organic compounds and use chemicals for energy.

Nitrogen Fixers

Prokaryotes that convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3).

Calvin Cycle

The process by which photosynthetic organisms fix carbon dioxide into sugars.

Conjugation

Process of genetic transfer between bacterial cells through direct contact.

Transduction

The transfer of bacterial DNA through a virus.

Transformation

Uptake of free DNA from the environment by a bacterial cell.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive exposure to antibiotics.

Pathogen

An organism that causes disease.

Biofilm

A community of microorganisms adhering to a surface.

Metabolic Diversity

The variety of metabolic pathways utilized by prokaryotes.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.