eukaryote flashcards

Binomial Nomenclature

• The binomial nomenclature system is used to name organisms.

  • Example: Homo sapiens (capital 'H' for genus, lowercase 's' for species).

• Another example: Drosophila melanogaster (capital 'D' for genus, lowercase 'm' for species).

• Understand the importance of writing names correctly in biological contexts.

• Mislabeling can lead to embarrassment in academic writing and communication.

• Special attention is needed for capitalized and italicized terms.

Bacterial Names and Abbreviations

• Example: Saccharomyces cerevisiae (brewer's yeast).

• Abbreviation practice: Escherichia coli (E. coli, capital 'E' followed by a period).

• Be aware that the genus is capitalized and abbreviated, while the species remains lowercase.

Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes

• Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms without nucleus and complex organelles.

  • Cell Wall Composition: Main component is peptidoglycan.

  • Types: Gram-positive vs. Gram-negative; difference lies in the thickness of the peptidoglycan layer.

• Eukaryotic organisms include protozoa, fungi, and algae; generally more complex than prokaryotes.

  • Chromosomes: Prokaryotic cells have circular chromosomes; eukaryotic cells have linear, segmented chromosomes.

Reproduction in Eukaryotes

• Eukaryotes can reproduce sexually and asexually.

• Mitosis is defined as a type of asexual nuclear division.

• Schizogony: A process where multiple mitoses occur without cytokinesis, resulting in multinucleated cells.

• Cytokinesis: Cytoplasmic division following mitosis.

Malaria and Its Transmission

• Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, not directly by mosquitoes; mosquitoes are vectors.

• Transmission involves the parasite injecting sporozoites during a blood meal.

  • Erythrocytic Cycle: Involves liver cells releasing merozoites into the bloodstream.

• Understand the process of meiosis that leads to haploid cells for sexual reproduction.

Types of Reproduction in Protozoa

• Conjugation: A type of sexual reproduction seen in ciliated protozoa (e.g., Paramecium).

• Binary Fission: A form of asexual reproduction where a single organism divides into two.

• Recognition of different types of reproduction is important to identify organism behavior.

Characteristics of Protozoa

• Protozoa are unicellular, eukaryotic organisms.

  • Lack a cell wall.

  • Mostly heterotrophic.

  • Require moist environments for survival (lakes, ponds, etc.).

• Importance in ecosystems: Protozoa are key components in food webs as many organisms depend on them.

• Pathogenicity: Very few protozoan species cause diseases in humans.

Forms of Protozoan Parasites

• Parasitic protozoa have two forms: Trophozoite and Cyst.

  • Trophozoite: Active, feeding stage within a host.

  • Cyst: Dormant, resistant stage that survives outside the host.

• Transmission occurs when cysts are ingested or through contact with fecal matter.

• Understanding life stages helps track infection sources and prevention.

Study Focus for Exam

• Recognize proper binomial nomenclature and its significance.

• Differentiate prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms based on cell structure and reproduction methods.

• Identify forms of reproduction (sexual vs. asexual) and relate them to specific protozoan examples.

• Study the general characteristics and ecological importance of protozoa.