Prokaryotes and Viruses Overview

Practice flashcards covering key concepts related to prokaryotes, archaea, bacteria, viruses, and their reproduction methods.

What are the two domains that prokaryotic cells can be classified into?

Bacteria and Archaea.

Name three types of archaea and their characteristics.

Methanogens (produce methane), Halophiles (thrive in salty environments), Thermophiles (live in hot environments).

What is the function of pili in bacteria?

Pili are small hair-like structures that help bacteria adhere to other cells and surfaces.

What distinguishes Gram+ bacteria from Gram- bacteria?

Gram+ bacteria have a thick protein layer that stains purple and are more susceptible to antibiotics; Gram- bacteria have a thin protein layer that stains pink and has additional material in their cell wall that blocks antibiotics.

Define autotroph and heterotroph.

Autotroph: An organism that produces its own food using light or chemical energy; Heterotroph: An organism that obtains energy by consuming other organisms or organic matter.

What is binary fission?

Asexual reproduction in bacteria where a parent cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

What is conjugation in bacteria?

A process where two bacterial cells exchange genetic material through a conjugation bridge.

Why are viruses considered non-living?

Viruses require a host cell for survival and reproduction and cannot carry out metabolic processes on their own.

What are viroids?

Small circular RNA molecules that infect plants and lack a protective protein coat.

What is the lytic cycle?

A viral reproductive cycle where the virus destroys the host cell immediately after replication.

What is genetic diversity?

The variety of genetic information within a population, contributing to the adaptability and survival of species.

What are endospores and why are they significant?

Endospores are protective encasements formed by bacteria under unfavorable conditions, allowing them to survive extreme environments.