Microbial Diversity

Vocabulary flashcards about microbial diversity

Microbes

Single-celled living organisms that are microscopic or are composed of multiple cells.

Prokaryotes

Cells that lack a true membrane-bound nucleus to house the DNA, also lack most other membranous organelles.

Eukaryotes

Cells that contain a membrane-bound nucleus and other membranous organelles.

Bacteria

Unicellular, microbial organisms that exist in vast numbers in virtually every environment; prokaryotic.

Archaea

Prokaryotic organisms distinct from bacteria, differing in cell wall composition and DNA sequences.

Environmental genomics

Sampling followed by DNA sequencing using PCR, revealing a greater level of biodiversity.

Bacillus

Rod-shaped bacteria (e.g., E. coli).

Coccus

Spherical-shaped bacteria (e.g., streptococci spp.).

Spirillum

Curved or rigid spiral-shaped bacteria (e.g., Vibrio, H. pylori).

Spirochete

Flexible spiral-shaped bacteria (e.g., T. pallidum).

Autotroph

Organisms that acquire energy from light (e.g., aquatic cyanobacteria).

Heterotroph

Organisms that obtain energy from organic molecules.

Biodiversity

Variety and abundance of living organisms in an environment, including bacterial microbes.

Ecological niche

The appropriate habitat with a suitable range of conditions that a given species requires.

Biological community

All the species living and interacting within a particular location.

Abundance

The total number of organisms.

Species diversity

The number of different species present.

Species evenness

Relative abundances of individuals across species.

Gram stain

A technique using crystal violet and I/KI to stain the peptidoglycan cell wall, used to classify bacteria.

Gram-positive

Bacteria with thick cell walls that retain the Gram stain after decolorization (purple).

Gram-negative

Bacteria with thinner cell walls that do not retain the Gram stain after decolorization (pink after counterstaining).

Zone of inhibition

A clear halo around the edge of a paper disk, indicating sensitivity to an antibiotic.