Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes, and Metabolism Study Set

Practice flashcards covering the comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the fundamentals of microbial metabolism.

Central Dogma

The core process describing the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing messenger RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing a protein from the code provided by messenger RNA at the ribosome.

Taxis

The movement of a cell or organism in response to an external stimulus.

Positive Taxis

Movement of an organism toward a specific stimulus.

Negative Taxis

Movement of an organism away from a specific stimulus.

Phototaxis

The movement of an organism in response to light.

Thermotaxis

The movement of an organism in response to temperature changes.

Chemotaxis

The movement of an organism in response to a chemical stimulus.

Peptidoglycan

A polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids that forms a mesh-like layer outside the plasma membrane of most bacteria.

Gram + Bacteria

Bacteria characterized by a thick layer of peptidoglycan and the presence of teichoic or lipoteichoic acids.

Gram - Bacteria

Bacteria characterized by a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS).

Glycocalyx

A sticky coating outside the cell wall, categorized as either a capsule (organized and firmly attached) or a slime layer (unorganized and loose).

Binary Fission

The primary method of prokaryotic cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells.

Fimbriae

Hair-like appendages on the surface of some bacteria used primarily for attachment to surfaces or host cells.

Pili

Longer, less numerous appendages than fimbriae used for motility and DNA transfer between bacteria.

Inclusions

Reserve deposits or storage granules found within the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.

Endospores

Dormant, tough, and non-reproductive structures produced by certain bacteria for survival in harsh conditions.

Anabolism

The set of metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units, requiring an input of energy.

Catabolism

The set of metabolic pathways that break down complex molecules into smaller units, releasing energy.

Metabolism

The sum total of all anabolism and catabolism reactions within a living organism.

Cellular Respiration Equation

$$C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{ATP}$$

NADH

A coenzyme used primarily in catabolic reactions to generate energy via the electron transport chain.

NADPH

A coenzyme used primarily in anabolic reactions and photosynthesis.

Anaerobic Respiration

A form of respiration using electron acceptors other than oxygen, such as nitrate, sulfate, or carbonate.

Fermentation

A metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen, primarily for the purpose of regenerating $NAD^+$.

Photoautotroph

An organism that uses light as its energy source and $CO_2$ as its carbon source.

Photoheterotroph

An organism that uses light as its energy source and organic compounds as its carbon source.

Chemoautotroph

An organism that uses inorganic chemicals for energy and $CO_2$ as its carbon source.

Chemoheterotroph

An organism that uses organic compounds for both its energy and carbon source; most pathogenic bacteria belong to this category.