Introduction to Bacteria and Metabolism

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Questions and Answers

What environmental conditions do slime moulds prefer for growth?

Slime moulds prefer moist, dark, and cool conditions, often found on debris and decaying organic matter.

How do slime moulds obtain their nutrients?

Slime moulds are saprophytic and feed on microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and decaying organic material.

What distinguishes Myxomycetes from Dictyostelia in the classification of slime moulds?

Myxomycetes are true slime moulds characterized by a syncytial plasmodial stage, while Dictyostelia includes cellular slime moulds that do not form huge coenocytes.

Can you name a specific plant family where some slime moulds are known to be parasitic?

<p>Some slime moulds are parasitic in the roots of the Brassicaceae family.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the composition of the cell wall of slime mould spores.

<p>The spores of slime moulds have a cell wall made up of cellulose.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between slime moulds and fungi in terms of classification?

<p>Slime moulds resemble fungi but are classified under the kingdom Protista, whereas fungi belong to their own distinct kingdom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long can slime mould spores survive under unfavorable conditions?

<p>Slime mould spores can survive for many years under adverse conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the vegetative phase of slime moulds in terms of cell structure?

<p>In the vegetative phase, the protoplast of slime moulds is not surrounded by a cell wall.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary structural feature of water molds?

<p>Water molds consist of branching structures called hyphae.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the cell walls of water molds differ from those of true fungi?

<p>The cell walls of water molds are made of cellulose, while true fungi have cell walls made of chitin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of nutrition do water molds exhibit?

<p>Water molds are heterotrophic, obtaining nutrition by absorbing organic matter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the two modes of reproduction in water molds.

<p>Water molds reproduce both sexually, forming oospores, and asexually, producing motile zoospores.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a plant pathogen caused by water molds?

<p>Phytophthora infestans is a well-known example of a water mold that causes disease in plants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ecological role do water molds play in aquatic ecosystems?

<p>Water molds help decompose organic matter and recycle nutrients in aquatic ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a virus and how does it differ from living organisms?

<p>Viruses are small infectious agents composed of genetic material and a protein coat, not classified as living organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What components make up a virus?

<p>A virus is composed of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, and a protein coat called a capsid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes molds from yeasts in terms of cellular structure?

<p>Molds are filamentous and multicellular, composed of hyphae, while yeasts are unicellular.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of molds in nutrient recycling within ecosystems.

<p>Molds decompose dead organic matter, breaking down plant and animal material, which recycles nutrients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes archaea from bacteria and eukaryotes at the genetic level?

<p>Archaea possess a unique RNA polymerase enzyme that differentiates them from bacteria and shares similarities with eukaryotes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are extremophiles, and what environments do they thrive in?

<p>Extremophiles are microorganisms within the Archaea domain that survive in extreme conditions, such as high heat, high salt, or acidic environments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do molds reproduce, and what is the significance of their reproductive strategy?

<p>Molds reproduce both sexually and asexually by producing spores, which are dispersed to form new colonies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do methanogenic archaea contribute to global warming?

<p>Methanogenic archaea produce methane in anaerobic environments, which is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some beneficial uses of molds in food production?

<p>Molds are used in the production of cheese, soy sauce, and fermented foods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what types of habitats can archaea be found?

<p>Archaea are found in a variety of habitats, including terrestrial and marine environments, hot springs, hydrothermal vents, salt flats, acidic lakes, and the human gut.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the kingdom to which protists belong and describe their general characteristics.

<p>Protists belong to the kingdom Protista and are primarily unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms with diverse forms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary feeding behavior of protozoa, the group within protists?

<p>Protozoa primarily feed on organic matter, bacteria, and other small particles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between some methanogenic archaea and animal digestion?

<p>Some methanogenic archaea live in the intestines of certain animals, aiding in the digestion process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the study of archaea important for understanding the origins of life?

<p>The unique properties and evolutionary significance of archaea provide insights into the origins of life and how biological adaptations to extreme environments occurred.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the multicellularity of molds contributes to their ecological role.

<p>Multicellularity allows molds to form extensive mycelium networks, enhancing their ability to colonize and decompose materials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What environments can protists inhabit, and why is this important?

<p>Protists can inhabit freshwater, marine, and soil environments, showcasing their ecological versatility.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What roles do archaea play in biogeochemical cycles?

<p>Archaea are critical in various biogeochemical cycles, such as the nitrogen cycle and carbon cycle, including the production of methane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the classification of archaea evolving?

<p>The classification of archaea is evolving due to ongoing research and discoveries, revealing more about their diversity and taxonomy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinctive feature of satellite viruses compared to satellite RNAs and DNAs?

<p>Satellite viruses encode their own capsid proteins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do satellite RNAs affect the helper virus?

<p>Satellite RNAs can either enhance or interfere with the replication and symptoms caused by the helper virus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the helper virus play in the life cycle of satellite viruses?

<p>The helper virus provides essential functions like replication, encapsidation, and movement within the host.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between satellites and agricultural productivity?

<p>Satellite infections can impact agricultural productivity by affecting the severity of viral diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what type of organisms have satellites primarily been studied?

<p>Satellites have been primarily studied in the context of plant viruses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main types of satellite nucleic acids?

<p>The main types are satellite viruses, satellite RNAs, and satellite DNAs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are prions and how are they different from satellite viruses?

<p>Prions are composed of misfolded proteins, whereas satellite viruses have their own nucleic acid genomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the genome of a satellite not homologous to that of its helper virus?

<p>The genome of a satellite is completely distinct and does not share sequence similarity with its helper virus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the feeding stage of cellular slime molds and how do they resemble amoebas?

<p>The feeding stage of cellular slime molds is a single-celled amoeboid that resembles amoebas due to their similar structure and movement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do cellular slime molds respond to a decrease in food or moisture?

<p>They send out a cAMP-mediated chemical signal to attract nearby cells towards food sources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the reproductive method of cellular slime molds when conditions are unfavorable?

<p>They reproduce asexually by spore formation when food is scarce.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which kingdom are water molds classified and what distinguishes them from other groups?

<p>Water molds are classified in the kingdom Stramenopila and do not fit neatly into the categories of animals, plants, or fungi.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of cellular structure do water molds possess?

<p>Water molds possess eukaryotic cells with a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are water molds commonly found and what conditions do they thrive in?

<p>Water molds are predominantly found in freshwater and marine environments, thriving in moist conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the growth pattern of water molds.

<p>Water molds exhibit a filamentous growth pattern similar to that of fungi.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Give two examples of cellular slime molds mentioned in the text.

<p>Examples of cellular slime molds include Dictyostelium and Acytostelium.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Prokaryotic Structure of Archaea

Archaea lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, unlike eukaryotic cells.

Archaea's Unique RNA Polymerase

Archaea have a unique RNA polymerase enzyme distinct from bacteria, but similar to eukaryotes.

Extremophiles

Archaea that thrive in harsh environments (heat, salt, acid, etc).

Thermophiles

Archaea that like high temperatures.

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Halophiles

Archaea that like high salt concentrations.

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Methanogens

Archaea that produce methane in oxygen-free environments.

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Biogeochemical Cycles

Archaea play a role in natural cycles like nitrogen and carbon.

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Archaea Habitats

Archaea live in diverse environments (Earth and human gut)

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Symbiotic Relationships

Some archaea live with other organisms in mutual benefit.

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Eukaryotic Structure

Fungi are made of eukaryotic cells, with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

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Molds

Filamentous fungi with a multicellular structure, forming a network of hyphae; often involved in decomposition and reproduction via spores.

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Hyphae

Thread-like structures that make up the body of a mold.

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Mycelium

A mass of hyphae, forming the main body of a mold.

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Spores

Tiny reproductive structures released by molds to create new colonies.

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Protists

Eukaryotic microorganisms not categorized as plants, animals, or fungi; often unicellular but some multicellular.

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Protozoa

Unicellular protists, primarily feeding on organic matter, bacteria, and small particles.

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Cellular Slime Moulds

Single-celled amoeboid organisms that feed on microorganisms and other matter, forming aggregates when food is scarce. They reproduce asexually.

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Slime Moulds Size

Slime moulds can range in size from a few centimeters to several square meters.

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Slime Moulds Habitats

Slime moulds are found in diverse environments, including debris, soil, leaves, twigs, forest floors, tree canopies, and moist, dark, cool areas.

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Feeding stage of Cellular Slime Moulds

A single-celled amoeboid organism living independently.

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Slime Moulds Nutrition

Slime moulds are saprophytic, meaning they feed on dead organic matter, microorganisms, and bacteria.

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Aggregation of Cellular Slime Moulds

Cells come together in response to low nutrients.

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Slime Moulds Cell Wall

During the vegetative phase, slime moulds lack a cell wall.

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Water Molds (Oomycetes)

Eukaryotic microorganisms, part of the kingdom Stramenopila, found in aquatic environments, often on decaying matter.

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Plasmodial Stage

The plasmodial stage of slime moulds is a multinucleated, resembling protozoa.

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Water Molds' Habitat

Predominantly freshwater and marine environments where they thrive in damp conditions and on decaying organic materials.

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Filamentous Growth

Water molds have thread-like structures similar to fungi.

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Spore-Forming Slime Moulds

Slime Moulds produce spores that are resistant to harsh environments. The spores resemble fungi.

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Protist

A diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms not easily categorized as animals, plants, or fungi.

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Myxomycetes

A type of slime mould, also known as true slime moulds. They have multinucleated (syncytial), plasmodial stage.

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Dictyostelia

Cellular slime moulds, that do not have a coenocyte.

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Kingdom Stramenopila

The kingdom to which water molds belong; containing organisms that can be photosynthetic or non-photosynthetic.

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Protostelia

Simple, minute, amoeboid slime moulds

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Satellites

Small infectious agents that need a helper virus to replicate and infect host cells.

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Satellite Viruses

Type of satellite; has own nucleic acid genome; needs helper virus for replication and spreading in cells.

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Satellite RNAs

Small RNA molecules that require a helper virus for replication and transmission.

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Prions

Infectious agents made of misfolded proteins.

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Helper Virus

Virus that helps satellite replicate in infected cells.

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Satellite DNAs

Type of satellite made of DNA that need a helper virus to replicate and spread.

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Genome Homology (Satellites)

No similarity between the satellite and its helper virus genomes.

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Replication (Satellites)

Satellites replicate by needing the machinery of the helper virus in an infected cell.

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Water Molds

Filamentous protists that are heterotrophic, meaning they absorb organic matter for food.

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Hyphae

Branching structures that make up the body of a water mold.

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Mycelium

The interwoven network of hyphae of a water mold.

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Cellulose Cell Walls

Unique to water molds; different from chitin in true fungi.

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Heterotrophic Nutrition

Water molds obtain nutrients by absorbing organic matter.

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Sexual Reproduction

Water mold reproduction using specialized structures like oospores.

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Asexual Reproduction

Water mold reproduction using motile spores called zoospores.

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Phytophthora infestans

A water mold that caused the Irish Potato Famine.

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Viruses

Small infectious agents, not considered living organisms.

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Capsid

Protein coat that surrounds the genetic material of a virus.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Bacteria

  • Bacteria are single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms
  • They are incredibly resilient and adaptable, existing in diverse environments
  • They lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
  • Their genetic material is typically a circular DNA molecule in the nucleoid region
  • Cell structure includes a rigid cell wall made of peptidoglycan
  • Some bacteria have an outer capsule for protection and adhesion
  • Bacteria have various shapes: cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), spirilli (spiral-shaped)
  • They can occur as single cells, pairs, chains, or clusters
  • Bacteria reproduce asexually through binary fission
  • Bacteria exhibit diverse metabolic pathways (autotrophs or heterotrophs)
  • Some bacteria thrive in extreme conditions (extremophiles)

Bacterial Metabolism

  • Bacteria play a vital role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead organic matter
  • They recycle nutrients
  • Some bacteria can fix nitrogen, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants
  • Bacteria form symbiotic relationships with various organisms, aiding in digestion, and other processes
  • Bacteria are used in various biotechnological applications in industry, including producing enzymes, antibiotics, and compounds, as well as food fermentation processes
  • Some bacteria cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants
  • These disease-causing bacteria are called pathogens

Introduction to Archaea

  • Archaea are some of the oldest known life forms on Earth
  • Their cellular structure is prokaryotic, but with unique genetic and biochemical pathways
  • Archaea are often found in extreme environments (thermophiles, halophiles, acidophiles, methanogens)
  • They play critical roles in biogeochemical cycles, such as the nitrogen cycle and carbon cycle.

Introduction to Fungi

  • Fungi are eukaryotic organisms
  • They are heterotrophs, acquiring nutrients by absorbing organic matter
  • Fungi have chitin cell walls
  • Yeasts and molds are two distinct groups of fungi

Yeasts

  • Yeasts are single-celled fungi
  • They belong to the class Ascomycota
  • They reproduce asexually through budding
  • They have the ability to ferment sugars (used in food/beverage industry)

Molds

  • Molds are filamentous fungi
  • They have a network of thread-like structures called hyphae
  • They can reproduce both sexually and asexually
  • Molds can colonize various organic materials and decompose organic matter

Protists

  • Protists are diverse eukaryotic microorganisms
  • They do not fit neatly into the animal, plant, or fungal kingdoms
  • Examples include protozoa and algae
  • Protozoa can be freeliving, or parasitic

Slime Molds

  • Slime molds are a unique group of protists
  • They exhibit a life cycle involving changes from a plasmodial stage to a fruiting body stage, or a cellular stage
  • They are saprophytic, meaning they feed on decaying organic matter

Water Molds

  • Water molds are filamentous protists
  • They are found in wet environments
  • They have a cellulose cell wall and are heterotrophic
  • They can be both beneficial and cause devastating pathogens
  • They reproduce both sexually and asexually
  • They can be parasitic and cause plant diseases

Viruses

  • Viruses are not considered living organisms
  • They are composed of genetic material (DNA or RNA) encased in a protein coat
  • They rely on host cells for replication and reproduction process
  • They infect wide variety of hosts; animals, plants, bacteria and some other viruses
  • They are classified into animal viruses, plant viruses, bacteriophages and archaeal viruses
  • Viruses have different shapes /structures and infect different types of organisms

Viroids

  • Viroids are small infectious circular RNA molecules
  • They lack a protein coat
  • They only infect plants
  • Viroids cause a variety of disease symptoms in plants

Satellites

  • Infectious agents that require a helper virus to replicate
  • They lack ability to replicate on their own
  • There are three types of satellite nucleic acids: virus, RNA, and DNA

Prions

  • Prions are unique infectious agents composed of misfolded proteins
  • They are associated with neurodegenerative diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs)
  • They affect nervous systems
  • They do not contain DNA or RNA
  • Prions cause damage in nerve cells, leading to sponge like appearance

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