CEE 2300 Biological principles

what are microorganisms

bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, protozoa, viruses

prokaryote

cell or organism lacking a nucleus or other membrane-enclosed structures

eukaryote

cell or organism having a membrane-enclosed nucleus and usually other membrane-enclosed structures (organelles)

White Rot (fungi)

lignin removed to make cellulose accessible, cellulose hydroluzed by classical cellulase system, peroxidases and laccases generally secreted, decayed wood sometimes enriched in cellulose

Brown rot (fungi)

lignin oxidized but not removed, cellulose hydrolyzed, oxidized, and removed, no peroxidases or laccases, decayed wood consists mostly of modified lignin

protozoa

lack cell walls, motile, ingest food (phagocytosis), often parasitic

algae

photosynthetic, diverse (diatoms, kelp, dinoflagellates), chloroplasts

lipids and fats

have both hydrophobic (nonpolar) and hydrophilic (polar) properties, ideal for cytoplasmic membranes, crucial roles in membrane structure, storage depots for carbon and energy

permeability barrier

prevents leakage and functions as a gateway for transport of nutrients into and out of the cell

anchor for many proteins

simple transport, group translocation, the ABC system

energy conservation

site of generation and use of the proton motive force