Prokaryotic Cell Structure Lecture

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to prokaryotic cell structure, specifically focusing on bacterial flagella and movement.

Teichoic acid

A polymer associated with the cell wall of bacteria, especially in Gram-positive bacteria.

Flagella

Long, thin appendages that most bacteria use for movement.

Monotrichous

A type of flagellation where a bacterium has a single flagellum at one end.

Peritrichous

A type of flagellation where flagella are distributed all over the surface of the bacterium.

Axial filaments

Flagella-like structures found in spirochaetes which aid in movement.

Cytoplasmic membrane

A biological membrane that separates and protects a cell from its environment.

Chemotaxis

The movement of an organism in response to a chemical stimulus.

Positive chemotaxis

Movement towards a chemical attractant.

Negative chemotaxis

Movement away from a chemical repellent.

Stator

A structure surrounding the flagellar motor that helps generate torque for rotation.

Proton motive force (PMF)

The force generated by the transmembrane proton gradient that drives cellular processes.

Helical propeller

The structure of the bacterial flagellar filament, allowing for movement.

Self-assembly

A process by which molecules spontaneously organize into structured forms without external guidance.

Methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs)

Proteins that act as chemoreceptors, helping bacteria sense attractants and repellents.

Run and tumble

The alternating movement patterns of bacteria that involve swimming straight and changing direction.

Flagellum

The tail-like structure that extends from the cell body and is used for locomotion.

Peptidoglycan

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

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria that have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane, appearing pink after Gram staining.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that have a thick peptidoglycan layer and no outer membrane, appearing purple after Gram staining.