Viruses & Prokaryotic Kingdoms Unit Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers important vocabulary terms and definitions related to viruses and prokaryotic kingdoms.

Virus

A nonliving particle that requires a host cell to replicate.

Capsid

The protein coat that encloses and protects the genetic material of a virus.

Bacteriophage

A type of virus that infects bacteria.

Lytic Cycle

A viral reproductive cycle resulting in the destruction of the host cell.

Lysogenic Cycle

A viral reproductive cycle in which the viral DNA integrates into the host's chromosome.

Pathogen

An agent that causes disease or illness to its host.

Vaccine

A biological preparation that provides immunity to a particular disease.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system to neutralize pathogens.

Prokaryotic

Organisms characterized by the absence of a distinct nucleus; includes bacteria and archaea.

Domain Archaea

A domain of prokaryotic organisms that are biochemically and genetically distinct from bacteria.

Kingdom Archaebacteria

A classification for a group of prokaryotes that thrive in extreme environments.

Thermoacidophiles

Microorganisms that live in hot, acidic environments.

Halophiles

Organisms that thrive in high salt concentrations.

Methanogens

Microorganisms that produce methane as a byproduct of metabolism.

Domain Bacteria

A domain that includes all bacteria.

Kingdom Eubacteria

The true bacteria, characterized by peptidoglycan in their cell walls.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures that help bacteria move.

Pili

Short, hair-like structures that help bacteria attach to surfaces and each other.

Capsule

A protective layer that surrounds the cell wall of some bacteria.

Cell Wall

A rigid structure that provides support and protection to bacterial cells.

Cell Membrane

The barrier that surrounds the cell, controlling the movement of substances in and out.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins.

Cocci

Spherical-shaped bacteria.

Bacilli

Rod-shaped bacteria.

Spirilla

Spiral-shaped bacteria.

Diplo-

A prefix indicating pairs of bacteria.

Strepto-

A prefix indicating chains of bacteria.

Tetrad

A grouping of four bacterial cells.

Staphylo-

A prefix indicating clusters of bacteria.

Saprobe

Organisms that obtain nutrients from dead or decaying organic matter.

Photoautotroph

Organisms that use light energy to synthesize organic compounds.

Chemoautotroph

Organisms that obtain energy through chemical processes to synthesize organic compounds.

Obligate aerobes

Organisms that require oxygen for survival.

Obligate anaerobes

Organisms that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen.

Facultative anaerobes

Organisms that can survive with or without oxygen.

Binary Fission

A method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes where the cell divides into two.

Conjugation

A process in which one bacterium transfers genetic material to another through direct contact.

Endospores

Dormant, resistant structures that some bacteria form to survive harsh conditions.

Mutations

Changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in traits.

Normal Flora

The community of microorganisms that normally inhabit the body's surfaces.

Antibiotics

Substances that inhibit the growth of or kill bacteria.