Bacteria, fungi, viruses

The region in a bacterial cell containing the chromosome, which is the molecule that carries the genetic information for the cell.

Tiny structures found in the cytoplasm of bacterial cells, responsible for protein synthesis.

Extrachromosomal DNA molecules found in some bacteria, carrying genes not essential for basic survival. They can provide advantages like antibiotic resistance.

A rigid structure surrounding the bacterial cell, providing strength and protecting it from osmotic pressure.

A type of cell wall found in bacteria characterized by a thick layer of peptidoglycan. They stain purple with Gram staining.

A type of cell wall found in bacteria characterized by a thin layer of peptidoglycan sandwiched between two lipid bilayer membranes. They don't retain the purple dye and are stained pink.

Hair-like structures on the surface of bacteria that help them adhere to surfaces.

Whip-like structures that enable bacteria to move.

Spherical-shaped bacteria.

Rod-shaped bacteria.

Spiral-shaped bacteria.

Bacteria that can exhibit various shapes.

A protective outer layer surrounding some bacteria, preventing phagocytosis and promoting adhesion.

The gel-like substance within a bacterial cell, containing enzymes and other essential components.

The selectively permeable membrane surrounding a bacterial cell, regulating nutrient intake and waste removal.

Simple cells lacking membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria, Golgi complexes, and endoplasmic reticulum.

Fungi play a crucial role in ecosystems by breaking down dead plants and animals, releasing nutrients back into the environment.

Fungi are responsible for the decomposition of organic matter, releasing essential nutrients like nitrogen and oxygen back into the environment.

A type of fungal reproduction where a single-celled organism (yeast) splits into two identical daughter cells.

A type of fungal reproduction involving the production of tiny, airborne reproductive units called spores.

Fungi that can switch between two forms, a mold-like filamentous form and a yeast-like single-celled form.

Fungi that remain in a single form, either mold-like or yeast-like, throughout their life cycle.

A tough, rigid structure surrounding fungal cells, composed of chitin, beta-glucan and ergosterol.

A type of multicellular fungi that grow in filamentous strands called hyphae.

Unicellular, oval-shaped fungi that reproduce by budding.

A group of fungi that cause infections of the skin, hair, and nails.

Viruses are not considered living organisms because they lack key characteristics of life, such as the ability to reproduce independently.

Viruses are much smaller than cells, often being measured in nanometers.

Viruses are classified as prokaryotes or eukaryotes. They are not classified as one or the other.

Viruses contain genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat called a capsid.

Viruses can have additional features, such as enzymes and outer envelopes.

Viruses cannot replicate independently. They require a host cell to reproduce.

In the lytic cycle, a virus enters a host cell, replicates itself using the host's resources, and ultimately destroys the host cell, releasing new viruses.

In the lysogenic cycle, a virus integrates its genetic material into the host cell's DNA. The virus remains dormant, replicating along with the host cell.

HIV is a retrovirus that attacks T helper cells, weakening the immune system.

Medications can help slow the replication of HIV, but they cannot cure the infection.

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that obtain nutrients by absorbing organic matter from their surroundings, often dead or decaying material.

The primary component of the fungal cell wall, providing structural support and rigidity. Think of it as the fungi's 'skeleton.'

Filamentous fungi, also known as molds, are multicellular organisms composed of branching, thread-like structures called hyphae. These hyphae form a network called mycelium.

Yeast are single-celled fungi that reproduce asexually by budding, where a smaller daughter cell forms from the parent cell.

Monomorphic fungi exist in a single form, while dimorphic fungi can switch between two forms: mold and yeast. The form they take depends on environmental factors such as temperature.

When fungi are in the environment outside a host, they often exist as molds. However, when they are inside a host, they often switch to a yeast form due to the higher temperature within the host.

Mold antigens are common allergens, causing allergic reactions in some individuals. This is because molds release tiny particles that trigger the immune system.