Biological Classification and Microbiology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to biology, specifically focusing on the classification of living organisms and various microorganisms.

Kingdom Protista

The most diverse kingdom, containing eukaryotic organisms that can be animal-like, plant-like, or fungus-like.

Protozoa

Animal-like protists that move in various ways.

Pseudopods

Temporary projections of eukaryotic cells used for movement and feeding.

Cilia

Hair-like structures on the surface of some protists that aid in movement.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures that help certain protists move.

Malaria

A disease caused by Plasmodium, spread by mosquitoes.

Sleeping sickness

A disease caused by Trypanosoma, spread by flies.

Fungi

Eukaryotic organisms that include molds and yeasts, mostly multicellular, with cell walls made of chitin.

Decomposers

Organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, that break down dead organic material.

Binary fission

A method of asexual reproduction in bacteria.

Antibiotics

Chemicals that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Transformation

The uptake of foreign DNA by a bacterium from its environment.

Transduction

A process by which a virus transfers DNA from one bacterium to another during infection.

Conjugation

The exchange of genetic material between bacteria through direct contact.

Pathogen

Any disease-causing agent, including viruses, bacteria, viroids, and prions.

Vaccine

A preparation made from weakened pathogens to stimulate an immune response.

Viroid

An infectious agent composed solely of RNA that causes disease in plants.

Prion

A protein that can cause misfolding of other proteins, resulting in brain disease.

Methanogens

Archaebacteria that produce methane gas and live in anaerobic environments.

Extreme Halophiles

Archaebacteria that thrive in highly saline environments.

Thermophiles

Archaebacteria that live in extremely hot environments.

Linnaeus's binomial nomenclature

A system for naming species with two parts: genus and species.

KPCOFGS

An acronym representing the taxonomic hierarchy: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

Cell wall

A protective layer surrounding the cell membrane, made of various substances depending on the organism.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that do not have a nucleus.