Prokaryotes and Early Life

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to prokaryotes, early life, and significant biological processes.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus, including Bacteria and Archaea.

Eukaryotes

Organisms with complex cells that contain a nucleus.

Abiotic synthesis

The formation of organic molecules from inorganic compounds in the absence of life.

Protocells

Membrane-bound droplets that maintain consistent internal chemistry, crucial for the formation of early life.

Stromatolites

Layered rock formations that are among the oldest evidence of life, formed by prokaryotes.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic prokaryotes that played a significant role in oxygenating Earth's atmosphere.

Endospores

Resistant cells that can survive extreme conditions, formed by some prokaryotes.

Binary fission

A method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

The process of transferring genetic material between organisms, seen in prokaryotes.

Nitrogen fixation

The process by which prokaryotes convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, essential for amino acid and nucleic acid production.

Extremophiles

Prokaryotes that thrive in extreme environments, including extreme halophiles and extreme thermophiles.

Obligate anaerobes

Organisms that are poisoned by oxygen and use fermentation for energy.

Facultative aerobes

Organisms that can survive with or without oxygen.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell walls, retaining the crystal violet stain used in the Gram stain procedure.

Plasmids

Small, circular rings of DNA found in some prokaryotes, separate from the chromosomal DNA.

Photosynthesis

The process used by some prokaryotes and plants to convert light energy into chemical energy.