Diversity of Microbes and Protists
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the plasma membrane in prokaryotic cells?

  • Barrier separating the cell from its environment. (correct)
  • Storage of genetic material.
  • Structure providing locomotion.
  • Site for protein synthesis.
  • Which of the following shapes do prokaryotes commonly exhibit?

  • Flat
  • Cuboidal
  • Branched
  • Cocci (correct)
  • What unique feature is characteristic of prokaryotic cells compared to eukaryotic cells?

  • Multiple linear chromosomes.
  • Lack of membrane-bound organelles. (correct)
  • Complex genetic structures.
  • Presence of a nucleus.
  • What is located in the nucleoid of a prokaryotic cell?

    <p>Circular DNA chromosome. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure in some prokaryotic species helps in attachment and preventing dehydration?

    <p>Capsule. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the cell walls of Bacteria and Archaea?

    <p>Significant differences in composition. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does flagella play in certain prokaryotic species?

    <p>Facilitates locomotion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding plasmids in prokaryotic cells?

    <p>They consist of small pieces of circular DNA. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary concern related to antibiotic usage as mentioned in the content?

    <p>A potential return to high mortality from bacterial infections. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best characterizes foodborne diseases?

    <p>They can also result from viruses and parasites. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What source of energy do phototrophs utilize?

    <p>Sunlight (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What pathogen was responsible for the raw spinach outbreak in the United States in 2006?

    <p>E. coli O157:H7 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about pathogenic prokaryotes is true?

    <p>All pathogenic prokaryotes are Bacteria. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor contributed to a decrease in botulism cases?

    <p>Improved sterilization and canning procedures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many Americans are reported to die each year from foodborne illnesses?

    <p>5,000 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What historical misconception did cultures have regarding the cause of diseases?

    <p>Diseases were seen as punishments from deities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is typically ineffective against foodborne bacterial infections?

    <p>Consuming food without proper storage. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What disease transmission pattern is indicated by zoonoses?

    <p>Diseases that transfer from animals to humans. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did public sanitation play in reducing deaths from bacterial infections?

    <p>It helped by ensuring access to clean drinking water and proper sewage disposal. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has been reported about the safety of the food supply in the United States?

    <p>The United States has one of the safest food supplies in the world. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common source of most foodborne illnesses currently?

    <p>Produce contaminated by animal waste. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact did the development of antibiotics have on mortality rates from bacterial infections?

    <p>Mortality rates decreased significantly but not universally. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which pandemic significantly weakened Athens during the Great Peloponnesian War?

    <p>The plague of Athens (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How far back do records of infectious diseases date?

    <p>3,000 B.C. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant chemical difference between archaeal and bacterial plasma membranes?

    <p>Archaeal membranes can be lipid monolayers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the cell wall in prokaryotic cells?

    <p>To provide shape and prevent osmotic lysis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true regarding the structure of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria?

    <p>Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of chemical component is NOT found in archaeal cell walls?

    <p>Peptidoglycan. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do bacteria reproduce primarily?

    <p>By binary fission. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes Gram-negative bacteria in terms of their cell wall structure?

    <p>Thin peptidoglycan layer with an outer membrane. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the differences in cell walls across different bacterial species?

    <p>The chemical composition of cell walls varies between bacterial species. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of archaeal cell wall component provides structural support similar to peptidoglycan?

    <p>Pseudopeptidoglycan. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant characteristic do Bacteroides bacteria possess?

    <p>They can become resistant to antibiotics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did older anaerobic prokaryotes struggle during the rise of aerobic conditions on Earth?

    <p>They could not function in the new oxygen-rich environment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did photosynthetic prokaryotes influence the Earth's atmosphere?

    <p>By releasing oxygen as a byproduct. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the Human Microbiome Project serve in research?

    <p>To investigate the relationship between diseases and microbial flora. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the endosymbiotic theory explain?

    <p>The origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Approximately how long ago did prokaryotic cells first originate on Earth?

    <p>3.5 billion years ago. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary byproduct of photosynthesis conducted by early prokaryotes?

    <p>Molecular oxygen. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism did some early prokaryotes evolve to adapt to an oxygenated atmosphere?

    <p>Aerobic respiration. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What feature of mitochondria resembles certain bacteria?

    <p>The infoldings of their inner membrane (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process do mitochondria use to divide?

    <p>Binary fission (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following components do mitochondria contain that support their similarity to prokaryotes?

    <p>Specialized ribosomes and transfer RNAs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What evolutionary theory explains the origin of plastids?

    <p>Endosymbiosis of a photosynthetic cyanobacterium (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true about chloroplasts in plants?

    <p>They are involved in photosynthesis and contain green pigment chlorophyll. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are mitochondria considered to have evolved before plastids?

    <p>All eukaryotes have mitochondria or mitochondria-like organelles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do red and green algae have in common regarding their chloroplasts?

    <p>They exhibit DNA sequences closely related to photosynthetic cyanobacteria. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the membranes of plastids?

    <p>Plastids have two or more membranes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Prokaryotic Cell Structure

    Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles and have a single circular chromosome (nucleoid) located in the cytoplasm. They possess a cell wall, a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes.

    Cell Wall (Prokaryotes)

    A rigid outer layer outside the plasma membrane, providing protection and shape. Its composition differs between Bacteria and Archaea.

    Prokaryotic Shapes

    Prokaryotes are commonly classified as cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), or spirilla (spiral-shaped).

    Nucleoid

    The region in a prokaryotic cell where the single circular chromosome is located.

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    Capsule (Prokaryotes)

    An outer layer, present in some prokaryotes, that helps with attachment to surfaces and protects against dehydration.

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    Plasmid (Bacteria)

    Small, circular DNA molecules found in some bacterial species, separate from the main chromosome.

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    Flagella and Pili

    Flagella are used for movement, while pili are used for attachment and conjugation in some prokaryotic cells.

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    Prokaryotic domains

    Prokaryotes are categorized into two domains: Bacteria and Archaea. These differ in their cell wall and membrane structures.

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    Prokaryotic cell wall

    A protective layer surrounding some prokaryotic cells, providing shape and rigidity, and preventing osmotic lysis.

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    Peptidoglycan

    A polymer found in bacterial cell walls, composed of polysaccharide chains cross-linked to peptides (short chains of amino acids).

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    Gram-positive bacteria

    Bacteria with thick peptidoglycan cell walls, react differently to Gram staining.

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    Gram-negative bacteria

    Bacteria with thin peptidoglycan cell walls and an outer membrane.

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    Archaeal Cell Walls

    Cell walls of archaea differs from bacteria – not composed of peptidoglycan; instead, made up of pseudopeptidoglycan or other polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and S-layers.

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    Binary Fission

    The primary asexual method of reproduction in prokaryotes.

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    Osmotic Lysis

    Cell bursting caused by a difference in water pressure inside and outside the cell.

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    Archaeal Plasma Membrane

    Different chemical composition compared to bacterial membranes; structures can comprise monolayers instead of bilayers.

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    Phototrophs

    Prokaryotes that obtain energy from sunlight.

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    Chemotrophs

    Prokaryotes that obtain energy from chemical compounds.

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    Pathogenic prokaryotes

    Disease-causing prokaryotes that are bacteria.

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    Zoonosis

    A disease transmitted from animals to humans.

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    Plague of Athens

    Historic pandemic that killed a quarter of the Athenian population.

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    Bacterial diseases

    Illnesses caused by bacteria.

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    Antibiotics

    Drugs that kill or slow the growth of bacteria.

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    Public sanitation

    Practices that improve public health by preventing the spread of contaminants like sewage.

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    Antibiotic Crisis

    A situation where bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.

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    Foodborne Disease

    Illness caused by eating food contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

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    Botulism

    A serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

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    E. coli O157:H7

    A dangerous strain of E. coli that can cause severe illness and even death.

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    How are foodborne illnesses changing?

    Previously, botulism from canned food was common. Now, produce contaminated by animal waste is a major source of foodborne illness.

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    What are the symptoms of food poisoning?

    Symptoms of food poisoning can vary but commonly include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.

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    Why is food safety important?

    Food safety is essential to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and protect public health.

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    What is the role of the CDC in food safety?

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plays a crucial role in monitoring foodborne illnesses, investigating outbreaks, and providing guidance on food safety practices.

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    Endosymbiotic Theory

    The theory that explains the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts in eukaryotic cells. It proposes that these organelles were once free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by larger prokaryotes and formed a symbiotic relationship.

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    Mitochondria Origin

    Mitochondria, the powerhouse of eukaryotic cells, are believed to have originated from aerobic bacteria that were engulfed by a host cell. This relationship provided the host cell with efficient energy production and the bacteria with a safe environment.

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    Chloroplast Origin

    Chloroplasts, found in plant and algal cells, are thought to have originated from photosynthetic cyanobacteria that were engulfed by a host cell. This provided the host cell with the ability to perform photosynthesis, while the cyanobacteria gained protection.

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    Prokaryotes: First Life

    Prokaryotes, single-celled organisms without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, were the first life forms on Earth. They evolved about 3.5 billion years ago and existed for over a billion years before eukaryotes emerged.

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    Photosynthetic Prokaryotes

    Early prokaryotes evolved the ability to perform photosynthesis, using sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds. This process released oxygen into the atmosphere, changing Earth’s environment.

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    Oxygenation of Earth

    Photosynthetic bacteria gradually added oxygen to the Earth’s atmosphere over millions of years. This oxygenation had a profound impact, leading to new forms of life and the extinction of some anaerobic organisms.

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    Aerobic Respiration

    Some prokaryotes evolved mechanisms to use oxygen to store energy from organic molecules. This process, known as aerobic respiration, became a highly efficient way to extract energy from food.

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    Mitochondrial Cristae

    Infoldings of the inner mitochondrial membrane, resembling textured bacterial surfaces. They increase surface area for energy production.

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    Mitochondrial DNA

    Circular DNA molecule found within mitochondria, encoding for some mitochondrial proteins. It resembles bacterial DNA.

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    Chloroplast Evolution

    Chloroplasts are believed to have evolved from endosymbiosis with photosynthetic cyanobacteria, explaining their similarities.

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    Plastid

    A general term for a group of organelles in plant cells, including chloroplasts. They are involved in storage of various substances.

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    Why are mitochondria found in all eukaryotes?

    Mitochondria are essential for cellular respiration, the process of energy production. All eukaryotic cells require energy to survive.

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    Why are chloroplasts only found in plants and algae?

    Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, the process of producing food from sunlight. Plants and algae use this process to obtain nutrition.

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    Eukaryotic Evolution

    The first eukaryote likely arose from a series of endosymbiotic events, involving prokaryotes like bacteria and cyanobacteria.

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    Study Notes

    Diversity of Microbes, Fungi, and Protists

    • Living things are incredibly diverse, ranging from simple single-celled organisms to complex multicellular ones

    • Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles

    • Three domains of life: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya

    • Prokaryotes are ubiquitous, found in extreme environments like boiling hot springs and in more benign environments

    • Prokaryotes perform essential roles, like nutrient cycling and driving ecosystem evolution

    • Prokaryotes existed before multicellular life

    • DNA sequencing provided critical insight into prokaryotic relationships and origins, leading to a reclassification of life

    • Early life on Earth consisted of prokaryotes, estimated at 3.9 billion years ago

    • Early Earth's atmosphere was anoxic (no oxygen) , supporting only anaerobic organisms

    • Phototrophic organisms appeared after approximately 1 billion years

    • Cyanobacteria were important in oxygenating the atmosphere

    • Microbial mats are multi-layered sheets of prokaryotes, found in various colors reflecting their diverse metabolic functions

    • Extremophiles thrive in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, high radiation, and highly acidic environments

    • Biofilms are communal microbial communities, often robust and difficult to destroy

    • Prokaryotes exhibit three main shapes: cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and spirilla (spiral-shaped)

    • Prokaryotes reproduce asexually via binary fission, altering their genetic makeup through transformation, transduction, and conjugation

    • Cell walls of prokaryotes differ, some contain peptidoglycan (bacteria)

    • Gram-positive bacteria have thick cell walls with peptidoglycan

    • Gram-negative bacteria have thin cell walls with peptidoglycan surrounded by an outer membrane

    • Prokaryotes obtain energy from sunlight (phototrophs) or chemical compounds (chemotrophs)

    • Prokaryotes cause diseases ("pathogenic bacteria")

    • Foodborne illnesses exist

    • Bacteria, such as Clostridium botulinum, can produce foodborne toxins

    • Escherichia coli strain 0157:H7 has been implicated in outbreaks associated with raw produce

    • Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern

    • Staphylococcus aureus (staph) includes resistant strains like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

    • Historical outbreaks and pandemics

    • Bubonic plague was caused by Yersinia pestis

    • Prokaryotes are crucial for bioremediation to remove pollutants.

    Eukaryotic Origins

    • Eukaryotes emerged 2.1 billion years ago

    • Endosymbiotic theory proposes that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from engulfed prokaryotic cells

    • Mitochondria have their own circular DNA and resemble bacteria

    • Chloroplasts are derived from photosynthetic cyanobacteria, resembling their structure and function

    • Eukaryotic cells evolved increasingly complex structures like the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and a sophisticated infrastructure

    Protists

    • Protists are diverse eukaryotic organisms
    • Protists exhibit a wide range of characteristics, from microscopic single-celled forms to large, multicellular organisms
    • Some protists play important ecological roles as food sources and decomposers
    • Several types of protists can cause human disease

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    Description

    Explore the fascinating world of microbes, fungi, and protists through this quiz. Learn about the three domains of life, the roles of prokaryotes in ecosystems, and the evolutionary history that shaped our planet. Test your knowledge on early life forms and their impact on Earth's atmosphere.

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