Microbial Diversity Overview

Populations of microbes (bacteria, archaea, and other microorganisms) interacting in an environment.

Observing changes in the environment, often using microbes as indicators.

Using microbes to clean up pollution or contamination.

Using microbes to understand the history of life on Earth.

Modern classification of life into Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Organisms (Bacteria and Archaea) lacking a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Organisms (e.g., plants, animals) with a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

A type of ribosomal RNA used to classify organisms based on their genetic similarity.

Biological entities showing both living and non-living characteristics

Structure formed by the capsid in close contact with the nucleic acid of a virus.

A virus with an outer layer (envelope) derived from the host cell's membrane.

A virus without an outer envelope.

The ability of a virus to cause infection, determined by the nucleic acid.

The ability of a virus to target specific types of hosts, determined by the protein coat.

A virus that infects bacteria.

Part of a bacteriophage containing the viral DNA/RNA and enclosed protein shell.

The structure that helps a bacteriophage inject its genetic material into the bacterial cell.

Structure at the end of the tail that attaches to the bacterial surface.

Structures that help a bacteriophage recognize and attach to its host bacterial cell.

System for organizing and identifying viruses based on their characteristics (type of host).

The dumbbell-shaped structure within a poxvirus that contains the viral genome and proteins for replication/transcription.

Single-stranded positive-sense RNA that directs poliovirus replication.

Outer protein shell with icosahedral symmetry that protects the viral RNA.

Two identical strands of positive-sense RNA that make up the HIV virus's genetic material.

Conical/bullet shaped structure enclosing the HIV RNA and replication enzymes. Includes p17 and p24 protein layers.

Lipid layer from host cells with glycoproteins (gp120 & gp41) essential for HIV entry.

Reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease for HIV replication and integration into host cells.

A filamentous bacteriophage, nonenveloped, with a single-stranded DNA genome (ssDNA).

A virus that infects bacteria.

A rod-shaped plant virus that infects tobacco plants, causing mosaic patterns on leaves. Its genetic material is single-stranded positive-sense RNA (+ssRNA).

Protein coat of a virus, surrounding the genetic material (DNA or RNA).

A group of large, brick-shaped animal viruses with a complex internal structure, double-stranded DNA genome (dsDNA), and an envelope.

A type of nucleic acid where the DNA molecule exists as one strand.

A type of nucleic acid where the DNA molecule consists of two complementary strands.

A lipid membrane that surrounds some viruses and is derived from the host cell.

Bacteriophages have a head containing nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) and a tail with tail fibers for attachment to bacterial cells.

A large order of bacteriophages, containing 96% of all known bacteriophages; includes Myoviridae, Podoviridae and Siphoviridae.

Bacteriophages in this family have contractile tails.

Bacteriophages in this family have short, non-contractile tails.

Bacteriophages in this family have long, non-contractile tails.

Structures on the tail of bacteriophages used for attachment to bacterial cells.

Part of the tail involved in attachment to bacterial cell wall.

Double-stranded, linear DNA, found as the genetic material in some bacteriophages.

An example of a bacteriophage in the Myoviridae family, possessing a complex structure and contractile tail.

Bacteriophages belonging to Myoviridae family with complex structures and contractile tails.

A temperate bacteriophage in the Siphoviridae family that utilizes tail fibers to bind to bacterial surface receptors.

Retroviridae, a family of viruses with a single-stranded RNA genome.

Yes, with lipid bilayer and glycoproteins (gp120, gp41).

Spherical

Reverse transcriptase enzyme.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA).

Yes, with lipid bilayer and surface proteins.

Brick-shaped or ovoid.

Complex with outer envelope, surface tubules, and lateral bodies.

Single-stranded positive-sense RNA (SSRNA).

No, non-enveloped.

Spherical or icosahedral.

Non-enveloped, icosahedral capsid; no reverse transcriptase.