Micro_Chapter_10

Taxonomy

The science of classification of organisms based on similarities and differences.

Phylogeny

The study of the evolutionary relationships and history of organisms.

Prokaryotic

Organisms without a nucleus; includes bacteria and archaea.

Eukaryotic

Organisms with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; includes fungi, plants, and animals.

Strain

Genetically different cells within a clone, often identified by numbers or names following the species epithet.

Binomial Nomenclature

A formal system of naming species with two names, the genus and the specific epithet.

Domain Bacteria

One of the three domains of life, consisting of prokaryotic cells with peptidoglycan in their cell walls.

Domain Archaea

A domain of prokaryotic cells that do not contain peptidoglycan in their cell walls and often live in extreme environments.

Domain Eukarya

A domain that includes all eukaryotic organisms, such as fungi, plantae, animalia, and protists.

Gram Staining

A method used to distinguish between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria based on their cell wall composition.

Catalase Test

A biochemical test used to identify bacteria that produce the enzyme catalase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide.

Dichotomous Key

A tool for identification based on a series of questions that lead to the identification of an organism.

ELISA

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a serological test that uses enzyme reactions to identify viruses or bacteria.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify a specific segment of DNA, making many copies for analysis.

Nucleic Acid Hybridization

The process of combining single complementary strands of DNA or RNA for detecting specific microorganisms.

Ribotyping

A technique used to identify and classify microorganisms based on their ribosomal RNA patterns.

Prototista

The kingdom that includes unicellular eukaryotes, such as algae and protozoa.

Endosymbiotic Theory

The theory that eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic cells living inside one another.

Phenotype

The expressed characteristics of an organism.