(5-11) Prokaryote Classification Flashcards
1. Define: Taxonomy, Identification, Classification, Nomenclature 2. Explain why organisms are arranged in taxonomic groups. 3. Define: Domain, Genus, Species, Strain 4. Describe the basis for the identification of prokaryotes using: Phenotypic characteristics, Genotypic characteristics 5. Describe the kind of information provided by: Morphological studies, Staining reactions, Biochemical reactions, Sequencing rRNA genes 6.Explain how rRNA sequences can be used in identification and classif
Why are living organisms divided into groups?
In order to better understand relationships among species.
What is Taxonomy?
The science that studies organisms to order and arrange them.
Which 3 areas can taxonomy be viewed in?
- Identification
- Classification
- Nomenclature
What is Identification?
Process of characterizing in order to group them
What is Classification?
Arranging organisms into similar or related groups
What is Nomenclature?
System of assigning names
Which 4 strategies are used to identify prokaryotes?
- Microscopic examination
- Culture characteristics
- Biochemical test
- Nucleic acid analysis
What are Taxonomic hierarchies?
Classification categories arranged in hierarchical order
What is the taxonomic hierarchy, from Domain to Strain?
- Domain
- (Kingdom)
- Phylum
- Class
- Order
- Family
- Genus
- Species
- Strain
Must different strains of the same species can have very similar characteristics? Give an example.
- No. Strains often have different characteristics.
- Ex. E. coli strain O157:H7 (a.ka., enterohemorrhagic E. coli, EHEC) causes bloody diarrhea and can lead to kidney failure and death.
Another strain of E. coli (enterotoxigenic E. coli, ETEC) causes “traveler’s diarrhea.”
Which classification system do most microbiologists use?
Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology
Which Classification scheme is favored by most biologists?
The 3 Domain system (as opposed to the 5 kingdom system)
Which code do microbiologists use for nomenclature?
Names are given according to International Code for the Nomenclature of Bacteria.
What is a dichotomous key?
A dichotomous key allows identification of prokaryotes using test that have a positive/negative (yes/no) result.
Which 4 tests might a dichotomous key use to identify a bacterium?
- Gram-stain
- Oxidase test
- Lactose fermentation
- Growth on citrate
