Class 8 Science: Microorganisms (Structure & Reproduction)

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the characteristics, shapes, and reproductive methods of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

Bacteria

Very small, single-celled prokaryotic organisms that do not have a well-defined nucleus or nuclear membrane.

Bacilli

Bacteria that are rod-shaped.

Cocci

Bacteria that are spherical in shape.

Vibrio

Bacteria that are comma-shaped.

Spirilla

Bacteria that are spiral-shaped.

Binary Fission

An asexual reproduction process where a single mature cell duplicates its genetic material and divides into two equal, identical daughter cells.

Viruses

Microscopic entities without cellular structure, consisting of a small strand of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protective protein coat.

Fungi

Eukaryotic organisms that contain a proper nucleus but lack chlorophyll, meaning they cannot perform photosynthesis.

Hyphae

Multicellular networks of thread-like structures found in fungi such as Bread Mould and Mushrooms.

Sporangium

A sac in multicellular fungi where tiny, lightweight, resistive structures called spores are produced.

Spore Formation

Reproduction in multicellular fungi where spores drift through the air and germinate into new fungi if they land on a moist, warm food source.

Budding

Asexual reproduction in unicellular fungi like Yeast where a bulb-like projection grows out of the parent cell, receives a part of the divided nucleus, and detaches.

Protozoa

A group of single-celled eukaryotic organisms that show animal-like characteristics and are mostly found in aquatic environments.

Pseudopodia

Special structures known as "false feet" used by Amoeba to capture food and move.

Cilia

Hair-like structures used by Paramecium for movement and capturing food.

Multiple Fission

A reproduction method used during unfavorable conditions where an organism forms a protective cyst and the nucleus divides into many daughter nuclei.

Prokaryotic

A type of organism, like bacteria, that lacks a well-defined nucleus or nuclear membrane.

Eukaryotic

A type of organism, such as fungi or protozoa, whose cells contain a proper nucleus.