Prokaryotes, Bacteria and Viruses

Flashcards about Prokaryotes, Bacteria and Viruses

Archaebacteria

Prokaryotes that lack peptidoglycan in their cell walls and have unique membrane lipids.

They often inhabit extreme environments, such as hot springs and salt lakes.

Peptidoglycan

A carbohydrate found in the cell walls of eubacteria.

It provides structural support and rigidity to the cell wall, helping to maintain shape.

Shapes, cell walls, movement, energy

Prokaryotes are identified by these four characteristics.

Decomposers (Bacteria)

Break down nutrients in dead matter and the atmosphere.

They play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and maintaining ecosystem health.

Toxins

Toxins are harmful substances that can disrupt normal cellular functions, leading to illness and potentially death in organisms. They may be produced by certain bacteria or found in the environment.

Virus

A virus consists of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) encased in a protein coat, and it requires a host cell to replicate, often leading to disease in the host.

Lytic infection

A virus enters a cell, makes copies of itself, and causes the cell to burst.

This process leads to the release of new virions that can infect other cells. Lytic infections often result in cell death and the spread of the virus.

Lysogenic infection

A virus embeds its genome into the DNA of the host cell and is replicated along with the host cell's DNA.

This can result in a dormant state where the virus is not actively producing new virions but can later reactivate to enter a lytic cycle. Lysogenic infections can lead to long-term persistence of the virus within the host.

Archaea

Domain of life whose DNA sequences are more like eukaryotes than eubacteria

Damage tissues directly

One of two ways disease-causing bacteria harm organisms

by producing toxins or causing inflammation. This can lead to pain, organ dysfunction, or other health issues.

Capsid

The outer covering of a virus, made of protein

that protects its genetic material and aids in infection of host cells.

DNA or RNA

What type of genetic material is found in a virus