Introduction to Systematics in Biology

In prokaryotes, cell division (fission) is accompanied by the division of genetic material, unlike eukaryotes.

In eukaryotes, cell division (fission) does not involve division of the complete genetic material prior to division.

A form of asexual reproduction where a new organism grows from an outgrowth or bud on the parent.

A widespread asexual reproduction method that produces many small, single-celled spores in specialized structures (sporangia).

A life cycle where the organism is haploid except for the zygote which, after fertilization, immediately undergoes meiosis to produce haploid individuals.

A life cycle where the mature organism is diploid and produces haploid gametes. The zygote develops into the diploid new organism via mitosis.

A life cycle with two alternating forms of individuals, one haploid (gametophyte), and the other diploid (sporophyte).

A type of asexual reproduction in which a parent cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells.

A sequence of stages in the growth and development of an organism; a fundamental concept to classify organisms.

Organisms are currently classified into Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya.

A domain of single-celled organisms, mostly prokaryotic, with circular DNA and other unique properties.

A domain of single-celled organisms, mostly prokaryotic, with circular DNA and lacking membrane-bound organelles.

The branch of biology studying kinds of organisms, their relationships, and evolutionary history

Describing, naming, classifying plant species and organizing them based on evolutionary relationships.

A graphic representation of evolutionary divergences, showing relatedness among organisms.

A two-part naming system for organisms using Latin genus and species names.

The system of giving scientific names to organisms using two parts (genus and species).

A classification system that groups organisms in increasing inclusiveness (like a nested set).

A general term for any level in a hierarchical classification system.

The two-part (binomial) name that identifies organisms universally.

Using DNA sequences to provide data for evolutionary relationships.

Organisms are grouped based on shared features like presence of a nucleus, cell type, nutrition, cell wall, and reproduction.

An organelle containing the cell's genetic material (DNA), surrounded by a nuclear membrane.

A single-celled organism.

An organism composed of many cells.

Organisms with cells containing a nucleus.

Organisms that make their own food from inorganic materials (like plants).

Organisms that obtain energy from consuming other organisms (like animals).

The process used by autotrophs to convert light energy into chemical energy.

The use of chemical energy to make organic matter

A rigid layer that surrounds the cell membrane of some organisms.

Multicellular or unicellular organisms with linear DNA, membrane-bound organelles (like nuclei and mitochondria), and reproduction via mitosis (and often meiosis).

DNA arranged in a linear form within the nucleus of eukaryotes.

Cellular structures within eukaryotes enclosed by membranes, like the nucleus, mitochondria, etc.

Organelles responsible for energy production in eukaryotic cells.

A classification system that divides life into three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

A domain of single-celled organisms distinct from both bacteria and eukaryotes.

A domain of prokaryotic organisms that are ubiquitous in nature.

Cells lacking a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, like bacteria and archaea.

A diverse group of predominantly unicellular eukaryotic organisms.

A kingdom of eukaryotic organisms that obtain nutrients through absorption.

A kingdom of multicellular eukaryotic organisms that perform photosynthesis.

The kingdom of multicellular eukaryotic organisms that typically ingest their food.

Fungi obtain energy by releasing enzymes externally to break down organic matter and then absorb nutrients.

A type of nutrition where single-celled organisms engulf food.

An organism that feeds on dead organic matter.

A rigid outer layer that supports and protects cells.

A glycoprotein polymer that forms bacterial cell walls.

A structural polysaccharide found in fungi cell walls and arthropod exoskeletons.

A main component of plant cell walls.

Describing organisms that are fixed in one place, unable to move.

A long, whip-like appendage used for cell movement.

A short, hair-like appendage used for cell movement.

Reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes (sex cells).

Reproduction involving the fusion of gametes to form a zygote.

A sex cell (sperm or egg).

A type of asexual reproduction where a cell divides into two.

Animals are made up of many cells that work together.

Organisms that cannot make their own food and must consume other organisms.

Organisms whose cells lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

The kingdom containing mainly bacteria (prokaryotic).

Bacteria reproduce through a process called fission (splitting in two).

Bacteria's genetic material (DNA) is concentrated in a region called the nucleoid.

Bacteria move using flagella, which are different from eukaryotic flagella.

A unique cell wall component in bacteria, influencing staining properties.

Types of bacteria classified based on staining properties of their cell walls (gram stain).

Non-living particles that require a host cell to replicate.

Viruses are made of protein and nucleic acid (DNA or RNA).

Viruses contain either DNA or RNA as their genetic material.

Viruses vary greatly in size, from 28 nm to 250 nm.

Viruses require living cells to replicate.

The protein shell that surrounds the viral genetic material.