Bio 111 Ch 27 - Archaea and Bacteria

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to Archaea and Bacteria from the Bio 111 lecture.

Prokaryotes

Unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and organelles, categorized into domains Archaea and Bacteria.

Extremophile

Organisms that thrive in extreme conditions, such as high temperature, acidity, or salinity.

Binary fission

A method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes resulting in two identical daughter cells.

Transformation

The process by which a prokaryotic cell takes up foreign DNA from its environment.

Transduction

A mechanism of gene transfer in which a bacteriophage transfers DNA between bacteria.

Conjugation

The transfer of genetic material between bacteria through direct cell-to-cell contact.

Plasmid

A small, circular DNA molecule found in bacteria that can replicate independently.

Biofilm

An organized colony of one or several species attached to a surface.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria with a thick peptidoglycan layer that retains crystal violet dye during Gram staining.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria with a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane that does not retain crystal violet stain.

Peptidoglycan

A polymer composed of sugars and amino acids that forms the cell wall of many bacteria.

Nitrogen fixer

Bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, making it available for plants.

Pathogen

Microorganisms that cause disease in host organisms.

Heterotroph

Organisms that obtain organic molecules by consuming other organisms.

Autotroph

Organisms that can produce their own organic molecules from inorganic sources.

Facultative anaerobe

Organisms that can use oxygen when available but can also survive without it.

Aerobe

Organisms that require oxygen for their metabolic processes.

Anaerobe

Organisms that are poisoned by oxygen and can only survive in its absence.

Cocci

Spherical-shaped bacteria.

Bacilli

Rod-shaped bacteria.

Spiral

Bacterial shape characterized by a helical form.

Fungi

A kingdom of eukaryotic organisms, including microorganisms like yeasts and molds.

Eukaryotic

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and organelles enclosed within membranes.

Horizontal gene transfer

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

Eukarya

Domain that includes all eukaryotic organisms, such as animals, plants, and fungi.

Monera

An outdated classification that included all prokaryotes before the three-domain system was adopted.

Hydrothermal vents

Deep-sea ecosystems where mineral-rich waters support life, often populated by extremophiles.

Methanobacterium

A genus of Archaea that produces methane as a metabolic byproduct.

Sulfolobus

A genus of Archaea that thrives in acidic hot springs.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins, differing in size between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Phylogeny

The study of the evolutionary history and relationships among species.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic bacteria that produce oxygen and are essential to ecosystem function.

Plastids

Organelles in eukaryotic cells that are involved in photosynthesis and storage.

Endospores

A thick protective structure formed by some bacteria to withstand harsh conditions.

Nucleoid

The region in prokaryotic cells where the genetic material is located, without a surrounding membrane.

Plasma membrane

A biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of the cell from the outside environment.

Cell wall

A rigid outer layer that provides structural support to bacterial cells.

Capsule

A sticky outer coat of some bacteria that helps in adherence and protection.

Thylakoids

Membrane-bound structures within some bacteria that are involved in photosynthesis.

Gas vesicles

Structures that help certain bacteria maintain buoyancy in water.

Microbiome

The collection of microorganisms present in a specific environment, especially within the human body.

Lactic acid fermentation

A metabolic process by which glucose is converted to lactic acid, utilized by probiotic bacteria.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells engulf external substances, potentially observed in certain bacteria.

Firmicutes

A phylum of bacteria that includes many Gram-positive species.

Proteobacteria

A major phylum of bacteria known for their diverse metabolic capabilities.

Actinobacteria

A phylum of bacteria known for their filamentous forms and antibiotic production.

Chlamydiae

A phylum composed of obligate intracellular parasites that cause various diseases.

Planctomycetes

A group of bacteria noted for their unique cellular features, including budding reproduction.