Diversity of Microbes, Fungi, and Protists

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to microbes, fungi, and protists as presented in the lecture.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus, classified into Archaea and Bacteria.

Eukarya

One of the three domains of life, consisting of organisms with complex cells that contain a nucleus.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that have a thick peptidoglycan cell wall, which retains the Gram stain.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria that have a thin peptidoglycan cell wall and an outer membrane, which does not retain the Gram stain.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic bacteria that are often found in aquatic environments and can form blooms.

Stromatolites

Layered sedimentary formations created by the activities of microbial mats, some dating back nearly 1.5 billion years.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria resistant to many antibiotics.

Evolution of life

The process through which different kinds of living organisms developed from earlier forms during the history of the earth.

Microscopy

The use of a microscope to view small objects that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Biotechnology

The use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products, often involving the manipulation of organisms at the molecular level.