Chapter 11 [Part 2/3] - Characterizing and Classifying Prokaryotes

Deeply branching bacteria

Organisms that give insight into early Earth conditions, retaining characteristics from primordial environments.

Phototrophic organisms

Bacteria capable of photosynthesis, utilizing light energy to produce organic compounds.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic prokaryotes known for producing oxygen and contributing to Earth's atmospheric changes.

Chemoautotrophic

Organisms that obtain energy from chemical sources and use carbon from inorganic compounds.

Hyperthermophilic

Organisms thriving at extremely high temperatures, often found in geothermal environments.

Microaerophilic

Organisms that require lower levels of oxygen than are present in the atmosphere.

Anoxic

A condition or environment depleted of oxygen.

Heterocyst

A specialized cell in certain cyanobacteria that enables nitrogen fixation under anaerobic conditions.

Akinetes

A type of dormant cell formed by certain cyanobacteria that can survive adverse conditions.

Endospore

A resistant, dormant structure formed by some bacteria to survive extreme environmental conditions.

Clostridia

A group of rod-shaped, obligate anaerobic bacteria that can form endospores and may cause diseases.

Mycoplasma

A genus of bacteria characterized by the absence of a cell wall and unique pleomorphic shapes.

Bacillus anthracis

The bacterium that causes anthrax, with three different forms: cutaneous, inhalation, and gastrointestinal.

Listeria

A genus of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness, particularly dangerous for pregnant women.

Lactobacillus

A genus of bacteria involved in the production of fermented foods and beneficial to human health.

Streptococcus

A genus of bacteria known for its pathogenic species causing a range of diseases including pneumonia and strep throat.

Staphylococcus aureus

A common bacterium that can cause skin infections and is often resistant to antibiotics like MRSA.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The bacterium responsible for tuberculosis, known for its slow growth and ability to evade the immune system.

Actinomyces

A genus of gram-positive bacteria, some species of which are involved in human tissue infections.

Streptomyces

A genus of bacteria important for soil health and known for producing antibiotics.