Taxonomy, Cellular Domains, and Acellular Agents

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering microbial identification, taxonomic groupings, domain characteristics, protists, helminthes, and acellular agents based on the lecture notes.

Identification

Using an organism's characteristics to set it apart.

Classification

Using an organism's characteristics to group them.

Biovars

Biochemical variants of a species strain that differ in metabolism.

Serovars

Serological variants of a species strain that have different antigens.

Genovars

Genotypic variants of a species strain with a different genetic code where the difference is outwardly displayed.

Prokaryotes

Organisms that have no membrane-bound nucleus or organelles.

Eukaryotes

Organisms that have a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles.

Archaea Group

Single-celled prokaryotes with cell walls that reproduce asexually through binary fission, can be autotrophs or heterotrophs, exist in aquatic and terrestrial environments, and are genetically more similar to Eukaryotes than Bacteria.

Bacteria Group

Prokaryotic group morphogenically identical to the Archaea Group that uses peptidoglycan to build cell walls.

Colonial Cells

Cellular arrangements where all cells have the same capabilities, as opposed to multicellular structures.

Multicellularity

Organismal organization characterized by cellular specialization.

Fungi

Eukaryotic organisms including yeast, mold, and mushrooms that can be single, colonial, or multi-cellular; produce asexual or sexual spores; are non-motile heterotrophs (saprobes and detritivores); and live in aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Algae

Eukaryotes in the Protist group that are single, colonial, or multi-cellular; possess cell walls; reproduce asexually or sexually; are all autotrophs; and are primarily aquatic.

Protozoa

Eukaryotes in the Protist group with no cell walls; reproduce asexually or sexually; are all heterotrophs; live in aquatic and terrestrial environments; and are all motile via cilia or flagella.

Parasitic Helminthes

Multicellular eukaryotic worms with no cell walls that are heterotrophs, motile by musculature, live in or on a host, and reproduce only sexually (including some hermaphrodites).

Acellular Agents

Biological agents that are not considered alive, encompassing viruses, viroids, and prions.

Virus

An acellular agent consisting of DNA or RNA and a capsid that infects every living thing.

Viroids

Acellular agents consisting of naked RNA strands that infect only plants.

Prions

Infectious protein acellular agents that infect animals and cause conditions such as Mad Cow Disease.