Characteristics of Life, Classification, and Microbiology

Flashcards covering the characteristics of life, classification hierarchy, six biological kingdoms, cladograms, and microbiology comparisons between viruses and bacteria.

What units of measurement are typically used for bacteria compared to viruses?

Bacteria are usually measured in micrometers ($\mu\text{m}$), whereas viruses are usually measured in nanometers ($\text{nm}$).

How do bacteria and viruses differ in terms of cellular organization and living status?

Bacteria are living, unicellular organisms, whereas viruses are nonliving and acellular.

How do bacteria and viruses differ regarding reproduction and treatment with antibiotics?

Bacteria can reproduce independently and can be killed with antibiotics, whereas viruses must have a host to reproduce and are not killed by antibiotics.

What characteristics do bacteria and viruses share?

Both are microscopic, can act as pathogens, and can be helpful or harmful.

What is the definition of a cladogram?

A diagram showing which organisms have similar traits.

Based on the completed cladogram character table shown, which traits are possessed by a Tiger?

Cells, Vertebrate, Legs, and Hair.

What is the difference between abiotic and biotic factors?

Abiotic refers to nonliving things, while biotic refers to living or once-living things.

What is the distinction between an autotroph and a heterotroph?

An autotroph makes its own food, whereas a heterotroph gets its food from other organisms.

What is the structural difference between a prokaryote and a eukaryote?

A prokaryote is a cell with no nucleus, while a eukaryote is a cell with a nucleus.

How do unicellular and multicellular organisms differ?

Unicellular organisms consist of one cell, while multicellular organisms consist of multiple cells.

What is the difference between asexual and sexual reproduction?

Asexual reproduction involves one parent, while sexual reproduction involves two parents.

What distinguishes an epidemic from a pandemic?

An epidemic is a disease spread within a specific region, whereas a pandemic is a disease spread across multiple countries.

What is the relationship between a host and a pathogen?

A host is an organism that a pathogen lives in, and a pathogen is a germ that causes disease.

How did Aristotle's classification system differ from Linnaeus's, and whose system forms the basis of classification used today?

Aristotle classified organisms simply into plants and animals, while Linnaeus classified living things into groups based on scientific traits. Linnaeus's system is the one used today.

Which two kingdoms consist entirely of prokaryotic, single-celled organisms that reproduce asexually?

Archaebacteria and Eubacteria.

What are the common and scientific names of the representative organism listed for Kingdom Archaebacteria?

Common name: Halobacteria; Scientific name: Halobacterium salinarum.

What are the common and scientific names of the representative organism listed for Kingdom Eubacteria?

Common name: E. coli; Scientific name: Escherichia coli.

What cellular and nutritional characteristics define Kingdom Protista?

Protists are eukaryotic, can have a cell wall, cell membrane, or both, can be unicellular or multicellular, and can be autotrophic or heterotrophic.

What is the scientific name and kingdom of the Paramecium?

Paramecium caudatum, belonging to Kingdom Protista.

What is the scientific name of the mushroom listed under Kingdom Fungus?

Agaricus bisporus.

Which kingdom is characterized exclusively by eukaryotic organisms having only a cell membrane (lacking a cell wall) and reproducing sexually?

Kingdom Animals (Animalia).

What are the scientific names for the representative plant (tree) and animal (bird) provided in the classification table?

Plant: Quercus virginiana; Animal: Columba livia.

What are the eight characteristics of life?

Homeostasis, DNA, evolution, cells, metabolism, responds to stimuli, growth and development, and reproduction.

How does the study guide define and exemplify homeostasis?

The maintenance of internal balance; an example given is when you work out and your heart rate increases.

How is metabolism defined in the notes?

Reactions in your body that turn food into energy.

What example is given for responding to stimuli?

Reflex actions, such as pulling your hand away after touching a hot stove.

What is the correct order of classification levels from broadest to most specific?

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.