Biology of Bacteria / Cell Structure Lecture Notes

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering the key vocabulary terms related to the biology and structure of bacteria.

Domain Bacteria

One of the three domains of life that includes all bacteria.

Domain Archaea

One of the three domains of life, consisting of single-celled microbes distinct from bacteria.

Domain Eukarya

One of the three domains of life that includes all eukaryotic organisms.

Surface to Volume Ratio

Physical characteristic that affects nutrient uptake and waste removal in cells.

Metabolism

Set of life-sustaining chemical reactions that maintain cellular functionality.

Cell Division

The process by which a cell divides to form two or more cells, important for growth and reproduction.

Bacterial Pathogen

A bacterium that can cause disease in a host organism.

Acute Disease

A disease with a rapid onset and/or a short duration.

Cytoplasm

The fluid interior of the bacterial cell, mainly composed of water.

Water Content in Bacteria

About 75-80% water, lower than eukaryotic cells.

Bio-synthetic Reactions

Metabolic reactions that involve the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that provide structural support within eukaryotic cells, lacking in bacterial cells.

Nucleoid

The region of a bacterial cell that contains its condensed DNA.

Chromosome

A structure composed of DNA and proteins that carries genetic information.

Ribosome

A cellular structure where protein synthesis occurs, found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

70S Ribosome

Type of ribosome found in bacteria, composed of a 50S and a 30S subunit.

80S Ribosome

Type of ribosome found in eukaryotic cells, larger than the bacterial ribosome.

Inclusion Bodies

Storage structures within bacterial cells for nutrients or other molecules.

Glycogen

A stored form of glucose, used by bacteria for energy.

Metachromatic Granule

An inclusion body in bacteria that stores polyphosphate.

Sulfur Globule

An inclusion body in bacteria that stores elemental sulfur.

Magnetosome

A type of inclusion body that contains magnetic particles, helping bacteria navigate.

Endospore

A resistant spore formed within a bacterial cell under stress conditions.

Bacillus

A genus of bacteria that can form endospores.

Clostridium

A genus of bacteria known for endospore formation and its pathogenic species.

Sporulation

The process of endospore formation in bacteria.

Lysis

The disintegration of a cell due to external factors, releasing contents like endospores.

Extremophiles

Organisms that thrive under extreme environmental conditions, such as heat and radiation.

Viability

The ability of a bacterial cell or endospore to survive under extreme conditions.

Spore

A resistant form of a bacterial cell that can survive unfavorable conditions.

Ribosomal Subunits

The distinct parts of ribosomes, in bacteria referred to as 50S and 30S.

Thin Cell Wall

Characteristic of bacterial cells that helps resist changes in water pressure.

Flagellum

A tail-like structure that aids in bacterial movement.

Actin-like Protein Polymers

Proteins in bacteria that provide structural support similar to cytoskeletal elements.

Anabolic Metabolites

Molecules that are involved in biosynthetic processes, building complex structures in cells.

Nutrients

Substances that provide nourishment essential for growth and maintenance.

Waste Molecules

Byproducts of cellular metabolism that need to be expelled from the cell.

Functions of Inclusion Bodies

To store essential nutrients and reserves within bacterial cells.

Carbon Reserve

Storage of carbon sources in bacterial cells for energy use.

Elemental Sulfur

A form of sulfur found in some bacterial inclusions, vital for energy processes.

Iron Deposits in Magnetosomes

Fe3O4 (magnetite) used for orientation in magnetic fields by some bacteria.

Resistance of Endospores

Endospores can survive extreme conditions that typically kill bacterial cells.

Bacterial Growth Conditions

Environmental factors that affect how bacteria grow and reproduce.

Cytoplasmic Enzymes

Enzymes found in the cytoplasm that facilitate chemical reactions necessary for metabolism.

Acute Infection

A rapidly developing infection that can cause severe symptoms.

Polymers of Polyphosphate

Molecules found in metachromatic granules important for energy storage.

Growth Factors for Bacteria

Nutrients and environmental conditions that promote bacterial growth.

Chemical Reactions in Cells

Processes that convert substrates into products in living organisms.

Biochemical Pathways

Series of enzymatic reactions in cells that lead to the conversion of substrates.