Chapter 2: Diversity– From Simple to Complex

Question 1

virus

Answer 1

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

Question 2

capsid

Answer 2

the outer protein layer that surrounds the genetic material of the virus

Question 3

replication

Answer 3

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

Question 4

lytic cycle

Answer 4

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

Question 5

lysogenic cycle

Answer 5

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

Question 6

prion

Answer 6

an infectious particle that causes damage to nerve cells in the brain

Question 7

bacterium

Answer 7

an individual prokaryotic cell of single species that is in the domain ‘bacteria’

Question 8

archaeon

Answer 8

an individual prokaryotic cell of single species that is in the domain Arachea

Question 9

coccus

Answer 9

a microorganism whose overall morphology is spherical or nearly so

Question 10

baccillus

Answer 10

a microorganism whose overall morphology is rod shaped

Question 11

methanogenesis

Answer 11

a biological (or chemical) process that produces methane as a byproduct

Question 12

extremophile

Answer 12

an organism that lives in habitats characterized by extreme conditions

Question 13

mesophile

Answer 13

an organism that lives in habitats characterized by moderate conditions

Question 14

binary fission

Answer 14

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

Question 15

conjugation

Answer 15

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

Question 16

endospore

Answer 16

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

Question 17

gram stain

Answer 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

Question 18

endosymbiosis

Answer 18

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

Question 19

endosymbiont

Answer 19

a cell that is engulfed by another cell during endosymbiosis

Question 20

host cell

Answer 20

a cell that engulfs another cell in endosymbiosis

Question 21

protist

Answer 21

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

Question 22

pseudopod

Answer 22

a temporary cytoplasmic extension that amoebas use for feeding and movement

Question 23

cillium

Answer 23

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

Question 24

flagellum

Answer 24

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

Question 25

red tide

Answer 25

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

Question 26

parasites

Answer 26

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