chapter 7 questions

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Why are bacteria usually small?

To enhance their ability to form biofilms

To increase their chances of reproduction

To facilitate horizontal transfer of genetic material

To avoid competition with larger organisms for resources (correct)

What is the primary claim to fame of cyanobacteria?

Their ability to perform photosynthesis (correct)

Their involvement in horizontal transfer events

Their role in the evolution of eukaryotes

Their extreme resistance to harsh environments

Why do some scientists consider the tree of life more of a bush?

Due to the presence of common ancestors for multiple branches (correct)

To reflect the complexity and interconnectedness of different species

Because the tree branches out into different evolutionary paths

To show the clear separation between prokaryotes and eukaryotes

What promotes genetic diversity in eukaryotes?

Horizontal gene transfer Signup and view all the answers

Where did mitochondria come from? What is the evidence?

Evolved from archaea through endosymbiosis; evidence includes their own DNA and double membranes Signup and view all the answers

What are extremophiles? Provide examples.

Organisms that can survive in extreme environments; examples include thermophiles and halophiles Signup and view all the answers

What is the process where genetic material is transferred between prokaryotes by a virus?

Transduction Signup and view all the answers

What are the three domains of life?

Archaea, Bacteria, Eukarya Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mode of nutrition for chemoautotrophs?

Chemoautotrophy Signup and view all the answers

Why are eukaryotic cells usually larger than prokaryotic cells?

To increase surface area to volume ratio Signup and view all the answers

What is the main defining feature that distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?

Presence of a nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique characteristic of Archaeplastida?

Presence of secondary plastids Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the collection of microorganisms in a particular environment such as the human gut?

Microbiota Signup and view all the answers

Why do some scientists view the tree of life as more of a bush rather than a single evolutionary line?

Due to horizontal gene transfer among different lineages Signup and view all the answers

What kind of organisms fuel the carbon cycle around hydrothermal vents?

Chemoautotrophs Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of transduction, transformation, and conjugation for prokaryotes?

They are mechanisms of genetic exchange between prokaryotes. Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of extremeophiles?

Methanogens and halophiles Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of cyanobacteria in a horizontal transfer event?

They transferred genetic material to eukaryotes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary claim to fame of cyanobacteria?

Their contribution to oxygen production via photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Why do some scientists consider the tree of life more of a bush?

Because of the complex interconnections and lateral gene transfers between species Signup and view all the answers

What fuels the carbon cycle around hydrothermal vents?

Chemoautotrophs Signup and view all the answers

What promotes genetic diversity in eukaryotes?

Both vertical and horizontal gene transfer Signup and view all the answers

Where did chloroplasts come from and what is the evidence for their origins?

From endosymbiotic cyanobacteria, supported by DNA and structural similarities Signup and view all the answers

What are the Archaeplastida?

Photosynthetic eukaryotes with primary plastids derived from cyanobacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of transduction in prokaryotes?

Horizontal gene transfer Signup and view all the answers

Why are bacteria usually small?

To facilitate rapid reproduction Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of conjugation in prokaryotes?

Promoting genetic diversity Signup and view all the answers

What is an extremeophile?

An organism that thrives in extreme environmental conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary claim to fame of cyanobacteria?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Why do some scientists refer to the tree of life as more of a bush?

To emphasize the complex interrelations between different species Signup and view all the answers

What promotes genetic diversity in eukaryotes?

Mitosis Signup and view all the answers

What are the defining features of eukaryotic cells?

Membrane-bound nucleus and organelles Signup and view all the answers