MCB 2004 CHAPTER 1 - Microorganisms, Macromolecules, and Taxonomy Overview

Microorganisms

Living entities too small to be seen without a microscope.

Pathogens

Microbes that cause disease in hosts.

Eukaryotes

Organisms with membrane-bound organelles.

Bacteria

Single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms.

Archaea

Prokaryotic microorganisms often found in extreme environments.

Protozoa

Single-celled eukaryotic organisms, often motile.

Fungi

Eukaryotic organisms that decompose organic matter.

Helminths

Multicellular parasitic worms.

Viruses

Noncellular entities requiring host cells to replicate.

Prions

Infectious proteins lacking nucleic acids.

Genetic Engineering

Modification of organisms' genetic material for desired traits.

Recombinant DNA Technology

Technique for transferring genetic material between organisms.

Polymers

Large molecules made from repeating monomer units.

Monomers

Small, basic molecular units that form polymers.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds made of sugar molecules.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers of nucleotides, including DNA and RNA.

ATP

Energy currency of the cell, adenosine triphosphate.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins, containing R groups.

Primary Protein Structure

Sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Secondary Protein Structure

Folding patterns formed by hydrogen bonds.

Tertiary Protein Structure

3D shape of a single polypeptide chain.

Quaternary Protein Structure

Complex of multiple polypeptide chains.

Phospholipids

Molecules forming cell membranes with hydrophobic tails.

Waxes

Hydrophobic substances providing water resistance.

Taxonomy

Science of naming and classifying organisms.

Binomial Nomenclature

Two-part naming system for species identification.