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Questions and Answers
What is the difference between archaea and bacteria?
What is the difference between archaea and bacteria?
Archaea have more complex RNA polymerases than bacteria and do not contain peptidoglycan in their cell walls.
Know the structure of a bacterium?
Know the structure of a bacterium?
Answer not provided.
How can bacteria transfer their DNA?
How can bacteria transfer their DNA?
Bacteria can transfer their DNA via transduction, bacterial conjugation, and transformation.
What is the function of bacteria in the environment?
What is the function of bacteria in the environment?
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Name several diseases caused by bacteria.
Name several diseases caused by bacteria.
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What do viruses carry?
What do viruses carry?
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What is the difference between viruses and bacteria?
What is the difference between viruses and bacteria?
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Label the structures of a virus.
Label the structures of a virus.
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What is the difference between a lytic and a lysogenic infection?
What is the difference between a lytic and a lysogenic infection?
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What are useful applications of diseases caused by viruses?
What are useful applications of diseases caused by viruses?
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What are the defining characteristics of domain archaea?
What are the defining characteristics of domain archaea?
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What is the purpose of a capsule?
What is the purpose of a capsule?
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Define nucleoid.
Define nucleoid.
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Define binary fission.
Define binary fission.
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Define transformation.
Define transformation.
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Define transduction.
Define transduction.
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Define conjugation.
Define conjugation.
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Define viroid.
Define viroid.
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Define prion.
Define prion.
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What is a function that both bacteria and archaea serve in the environment?
What is a function that both bacteria and archaea serve in the environment?
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Study Notes
Differences Between Archaea and Bacteria
- Archaea have complex RNA polymerases, similar to eukaryotes, while bacteria have simpler versions.
- Archaea's cell walls lack peptidoglycan, a key component found in bacterial cell walls.
- Membrane lipid bonding differs: archaea have unique bonding compared to bacteria and eukarya.
- Genetic differences exist between archaea and bacteria.
Structure of a Bacterium
- Bacterium cells typically possess a cell wall, plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleoid containing DNA, and ribosomes.
DNA Transfer in Bacteria
- Transduction: DNA movement between bacteria via viruses (bacteriophages).
- Conjugation: Direct DNA transfer through cell-to-cell contact, often using plasmids.
Ecological Functions of Bacteria
- Bacteria are crucial for decomposition, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
- They play a vital role in the nitrogen cycle, facilitating nutrient availability for ecosystems.
Diseases Caused by Bacteria
- Pneumonia is a key bacterial infection, primarily caused by Streptococcus and Mycoplasma species.
Genetic Information in Viruses
- Viruses carry genetic information, essential for their replication within host cells.
Differences Between Viruses and Bacteria
- Viruses are smaller and obligate intracellular parasites; they require a living host to reproduce.
- Viruses hijack host cell machinery to replicate themselves.
Lytic vs. Lysogenic Infections
- The lytic cycle results in the destruction (lysis) of the host cell, while the lysogenic cycle allows the virus to integrate into the host genome without immediate harm.
- Phages in the lytic cycle are termed virulent; those capable of both cycles are temperate phages.
Capsule Function in Bacteria
- Capsules protect bacteria from desiccation and help maintain cell shape.
Definitions of Key Terms
- Nucleoid: The region in prokaryotic cells containing genetic information.
- Binary Fission: A form of asexual reproduction, predominant in prokaryotes.
- Transformation: Significant alteration in form or appearance, often referred to in genetic contexts.
- Transduction: Introduction of foreign DNA into a bacterium via a virus.
- Conjugation: The combining of genetic material from two cells.
- Viroid: A small infectious agent comprised solely of nucleic acid, lacking a protein coat.
- Prion: Abnormal proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.
Common Functions of Bacteria and Archaea
- Both groups play essential roles in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning, contributing to biological processes crucial for life.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental differences between Archaea and Bacteria, including their cellular structures, DNA transfer mechanisms, and ecological roles. You'll learn about unique features such as RNA polymerases, cell wall composition, and their contributions to ecosystems and human health.