Prokaryotes - Monera - Biodiversity

Microscopic organisms lacking a nucleus, most are single-celled.

Two lineages that are prokaryotic and make up Kingdom Monera.

Cocci (spherical), Bacilli (rod-shaped) are common shapes among bacteria.

Typically smaller (0.5-5 µm) than eukaryotic cells (10-100 µm).

Prokaryotes thrive in a wide variety of environments.

Both are sticky outer layers on prokaryotes, but capsules are denser and well-defined, while slime layers are less organized.

Capsules and slime layers help prokaryotes adhere to surfaces, resist drying out, and even evade host immune systems.

Tough, multi-layered structures formed by some prokaryotes when they lack essential nutrients, helping them survive harsh conditions.

Both are hair-like appendages, but fimbriae help prokaryotes attach to surfaces, while pili help them pull two cells together for DNA transfer.

Directed movement of prokaryotes towards or away from a stimulus.

Flagella are whip-like structures that propel prokaryotes. They have a motor, hook, and filament.

Prokaryotes lack complex compartmentalization compared to eukaryotes, although they may have specialized membranes for metabolic functions.

Prokaryotes have circular chromosomes with fewer proteins compared to the linear chromosomes with more proteins in eukaryotes.

Prokaryotes have specialized membranes, often infoldings of the plasma membrane, to perform metabolic functions. Examples include respiratory membranes and thylakoid membranes in photosynthetic prokaryotes.

Prokaryotes reproduce asexually through binary fission, where one cell divides into two identical daughter cells. This process is rapid, allowing for rapid population growth in favorable environments.

Prokaryotes reproduce quickly through binary fission, have short generation times, and evolve rapidly due to their small size and efficient reproduction.

Prokaryotes exhibit high genetic diversity due to rapid reproduction, mutations, and genetic recombination.

While mutation rates during binary fission are low, the rapid rate of reproduction allows mutations to accumulate quickly in a population.

The combining of DNA from two sources, called genetic recombination, contributes to diversity in prokaryotes. This occurs through transformation, transduction, and conjugation.

The movement of genes among individuals from different species, called horizontal gene transfer, further increases prokaryotic diversity.

Transformation is the process where a prokaryotic cell takes up and incorporates foreign DNA from the surrounding environment.

The process of transferring genetic material between prokaryotic cells that are temporarily joined.

A sex pilus is a structure that connects two prokaryotic cells, allowing for the transfer of genetic material during conjugation.

A prokaryote that absolutely requires oxygen for cellular respiration.

A prokaryote that cannot tolerate oxygen and uses fermentation or anaerobic respiration for energy.

A prokaryote that can survive with or without oxygen.

Using genetic analysis to investigate the evolutionary relationships between organisms.

Archaea that thrive in extremely salty environments.

Archaea that thrive in very hot environments.

Prokaryotes that cause diseases in humans.

Toxic proteins secreted by some bacteria that cause disease even when the bacteria are not present.

Toxic components of bacterial cell walls that are released only when the bacteria die.

Using organisms, like bacteria, to clean up pollutants in the environment.

Plants genetically modified to carry genes from other organisms, often using bacteria.

A group of spiral-shaped bacteria, many live freely, but some are known for causing serious diseases.

Photosynthetic bacteria, essential for generating oxygen, can form chains or be single-celled.

Bacteria with a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, many are decomposers or produce antibiotics.

A diverse and large group of bacteria, they can use various energy sources and are found in many environments.

Prokaryotes play a vital role in breaking down dead organisms and waste products, allowing nutrients to be reused.

A relationship where both organisms involved benefit from each other.

A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another, often causing harm.

Beneficial bacteria in our gut help digest food that our body can't, playing a crucial role in our health.