Chapter 2: Diversity– From Simple to Complex Flashcards
virus
a structure that contains strands of DNA or RNA surrounded by a protective protein coat; it cannot live independently outside of cells
capsid
the outer protein layer that surrounds the genetic material of the virus
replication
the fundamental process of all cells, in which the genetic material is copied before the cell reproduces
lytic cycle
the replication process in viruses in which the virus’ genetic material uses the copying machinery of the host cell to make new cells
lysogenic cycle
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.
prion
an infectious particle that causes damage to nerve cells in the brain
bacterium
an individual prokaryotic cell of single species that is in the domain ‘bacteria’
archaeon
an individual prokaryotic cell of single species that is in the domain Arachea
coccus
a microorganism whose overall morphology is spherical or nearly so
baccillus
a microorganism whose overall morphology is rod shaped
methanogenesis
a biological (or chemical) process that produces methane as a byproduct
extremophile
an organism that lives in habitats characterized by extreme conditions
mesophile
an organism that lives in habitats characterized by moderate conditions
binary fission
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)
conjugation
a process in which there is a transfer of genetic material involving two cells
endospore
a dormant bacterial cell able to survive for long periods during extreme conditions
gram stain
a stain that separates bacteria into two major divisions; gram positive and gram negative; based on the cell wall’s response to the stain
endosymbiosis
theory that explains how eukaryotic cells evolved from the symbiotic relationship between two or more prokaryotic cells
endosymbiont
a cell that is engulfed by another cell during endosymbiosis
host cell
a cell that engulfs another cell in endosymbiosis
protist
a eukaryotic organism, usually unicellular, that is not a fungus, plant, or animal
pseudopod
a temporary cytoplasmic extension that amoebas use for feeding and movement
cillium
a short, hair-like projection that functions in cell movement and particle manipulation when coordinated with other cilia
flagellum
a long, hair like projection extending from the cell membrane that propels the cell using a whip-like motion
red tide
a coastal phenomenon in which dinoflagellates that contain red pigments are so concentrated that the seawater has a distinct red colour
parasites
an organism that benefits by living in or on another organism at the expense of that organism
