Diversity of Microorganisms

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the diversity of microorganisms.

Prokaryotic Microorganisms

Microorganisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus, including Bacteria and Archaea.

Eukaryotic Microorganisms

Microorganisms that have a membrane-bound nucleus, including fungi, protozoa, and algae.

Cocci

Spherical bacteria that may form clusters or chains.

Bacilli

Rod-shaped bacteria that can vary in length and width.

Spirilla

Rigid, spiral-shaped bacteria that can have various arrangements.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures used for locomotion in some microorganisms.

Endospore

A resistant structure formed by some bacteria during unfavorable conditions.

Capsule

A protective layer surrounding some bacteria, aiding in adherence and evasion of the immune response.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria with a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, retaining the purple dye during Gram staining.

Gram-negative bacteria

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

Virion

An infective form of a virus outside a host cell, consisting of the viral genome and a protein coat.

Retrovirus

A class of RNA viruses that replicate in a host cell through the process of reverse transcription.

Methanogens

Archaea that produce methane as a byproduct of metabolic processes.

Halophiles

Archaea that thrive in high salt concentrations.

Algae

Photosynthetic eukaryotic microorganisms that can be unicellular or multicellular.

Protozoa

Unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms that are often motile and heterotrophic.

Fungi

Eukaryotic organisms that are non-photosynthetic, heterotrophic, and often have cell walls made of chitin.

Zygomycota

A phylum of fungi characterized by coenocytic hyphae and the formation of zygospores.

Ascomycota

A phylum of fungi known as sac fungi, which produce ascospores in a sac-like structure called an ascus.

Basidiomycota

A phylum of fungi known as club fungi, which produce basidiospores on club-shaped structures called basidia.

Mycelium

The vegetative structure of fungi, consisting of a mass of hyphae.

Plasmodial Slime Molds

A type of slime mold that forms a single, elaborate structure of coenocytic protoplasm.

Motility in Protozoa

The ability of protozoa to move, often through structures like flagella, cilia, or pseudopodia.