Chapter 2 Diversity: From Simple to Complex (Defs.)

Question 1

A structure that contains strands of DNA or RNA surrounded by a protective protein coat; it cannot live independently outside of cells.

Answer 1

Virus

Question 2

The outer protein layer that surrounds the genetic material of a virus.

Answer 2

Capsid

Question 3

The fundamental process of all cells, in which the genetic material is copied before the cell reproduces.

Answer 3

Replication

Question 4

The replication process in viruses in which the virus’s genetic material uses the copying machinery of the host cell to make new viruses.

Answer 4

Lytic cycle

Question 5

The replication process in viruses, in which the viral DNA enters the host cell’s chromosomes; it may remain dormant and later activate and instruct the host cell to produce more viruses.

Answer 5

Lysogenic cycle

Question 6

An infectious particle that causes damage to nerve cells in the brain, and that appears to consist mostly or entirely of a single protein.

Answer 6

Prion

Question 7

An individual prokaryotic cell or a single species that is in the domain Bacteria.

Answer 7

Bacterium (plural bacteria)

Question 8

An individual prokaryotic cell or a single species that is in the domain Archaea.

Answer 8

Archaeon (plural archaea

Question 9

A micro-organism whose overall morphology is spherical or nearly so.

Answer 9

Coccus (plural cocci)

Question 10

A micro-organism whose overall morphology is rod-shaped.

Answer 10

Bacillus (plural bacilli)

Question 11

A biological (or chemical) process that produces methane as an by-product. Appears to be unique to the Archaea.

Answer 11

Methanogenesis

Question 12

An organism that lives in habitats characterized by extreme conditions.

Answer 12

Extremophile

Question 13

An organism that lives in habitats characterized by moderate conditions.

Answer 13

Mesophile

Question 14

The asexual form of reproduction used by most prokaryotes (and some eukaryotic organelles), in which a cell divides into two genetically identical cells (or organelles).

Answer 14

Binary fission

Question 15

A process in which there is a transfer of genetic material involving two cells.

Answer 15

conjugation

Question 16

A dormant bacterial cell able to survive for long periods during extreme conditions.

Answer 16

Endospore

Question 17

A stain that separates bacteria into two major divisions (Gram positive and Gram negative) based on the cell wall’s response to the stain.

Answer 17

Gram stain

Question 18

Theory that explains how eukaryotic cells evolved from the symbiotic relationship between two or more prokaryotic cells.

Answer 18

Endosymbiosis

Question 19

A cell that is engulfed by another cell in endosymbiosis.

Answer 19

Endosymbiont

Question 20

A cell that engulfs another cell in endosymbiosis.

Answer 20

Host cell

Question 21

A eukaryotic organism, usually unicellular, that is not a fungus, plant, or animal.

Answer 21

Protist

Question 22

An organism that benefits by living in or on another organism at the expense of that organism.

Answer 22

Parasite

Question 23

A temporary cytoplasmic extension that amoebas use for feeding and movement.

Answer 23

Pseudopod (plural pseudopodia)

Question 24

A short, hair-like projection that functions in cell movement and particle manipulation when coordinated with other cilia.

Answer 24

Cilium (plural cilia)

Question 25

A long, hair-like projection extending from the cell membrane that propels the cell using a whip-like motion.

Answer 25

Flagellum (plural flagella)

Question 26

A coastal phenomenon in which dinoflagellates that contain red pigments are so concentrated that the seawater has a distinct red colour.

Answer 26

Red tide