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Marine Bio > Chapter 6 - Marine Microbes > Flashcards

Chapter 6 - Marine Microbes Flashcards

1
Q

Define Actinopods

A

A group of protozoans characterized by their radiating pseudopods.

Actinopods include organisms like radiolarians.

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2
Q

What does Aerobic mean?

A

Organisms that require oxygen for respiration.

Examples include many bacteria and all animals.

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3
Q

Define Alga

A

Photosynthetic organisms found in aquatic environments.

Includes unicellular and multicellular forms such as seaweeds.

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4
Q

What is Anaerobic?

A

Organisms that do not require oxygen for growth and may even be harmed by it.

Includes certain bacteria and archaea.

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5
Q

What are Amoeboid protozoans?

A

Protozoans that move and feed using pseudopodia.

Examples include amoebas and slime molds.

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6
Q

Define Archeaons

A

Single-celled microorganisms distinct from bacteria, often found in extreme environments.

Examples include methanogens and halophiles.

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7
Q

What is Aspergillosis?

A

A fungal infection caused by Aspergillus species.

It can affect the respiratory system, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

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8
Q

Define Bacillus

A

Rod-shaped bacteria.

Includes both pathogenic and non-pathogenic species.

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9
Q

What are Bacteriophages (phages)?

A

Viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria.

They are used in phage therapy to combat bacterial infections.

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10
Q

What is Binary fission?

A

A method of asexual reproduction in which a single organism divides into two identical daughter cells.

Common in prokaryotic organisms like bacteria.

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11
Q

Define Spirillum

A

A genus of bacteria characterized by a spiral shape.

They are often found in aquatic environments.

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12
Q

What is a Capsid?

A

The protein shell of a virus that encases its genetic material.

Capsids can have various shapes, including helical and icosahedral.

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13
Q

What are Carotenoids?

A

Pigments found in plants and algae that are responsible for red, yellow, and orange colors.

They play a role in photosynthesis by capturing light energy.

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14
Q

What are Chemosynthetic bacteria?

A

Bacteria that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic substances.

They are often found in extreme environments like deep-sea vents.

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15
Q

Define Chitin

A

A structural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of fungi and the exoskeletons of arthropods.

It provides rigidity and protection.

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16
Q

What is Chlorophyll a?

A

The primary pigment involved in photosynthesis, found in all photosynthetic organisms.

It absorbs light primarily in the blue and red wavelengths.

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17
Q

What is Chlorophyll b?

A

An accessory pigment in plants and algae that assists in photosynthesis by capturing light energy.

It absorbs light primarily in the blue and red-orange wavelengths.

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18
Q

Define Choanoflagellates

A

Unicellular or colonial organisms with a flagellum surrounded by a collar of microvilli.

They are considered the closest living relatives of animals.

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19
Q

What are Ciliates?

A

A group of protozoans characterized by the presence of cilia for movement and feeding.

Examples include Paramecium.

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20
Q

What are Coccolithophores?

A

Unicellular algae that produce calcium carbonate plates called coccoliths.

They play a significant role in marine carbon cycling.

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21
Q

Define Coccoliths

A

Calcium carbonate plates produced by coccolithophores.

They contribute to the formation of sedimentary rock.

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22
Q

What is a Coccus?

A

A spherical-shaped bacterium.

Cocci can exist as single cells, in pairs, or in clusters.

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23
Q

Define Cyanobacteria

A

Photosynthetic bacteria that can fix nitrogen and are often found in aquatic environments.

They are commonly referred to as blue-green algae.

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24
Q

What are Cysts?

A

Dormant forms of microorganisms that can survive extreme conditions.

Cysts can be formed by bacteria, protozoans, and some fungi.

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25
What are Deepsea vent communities?
Ecosystems found at hydrothermal vents in the deep ocean, sustained by chemosynthetic organisms. ## Footnote These communities thrive on chemicals released from the Earth's crust.
26
What is Diatomaceous earth?
A sedimentary rock made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms. ## Footnote It is used in various applications, including filtration and as an abrasive.
27
Define Diatoms
Unicellular algae with silica cell walls, known for their intricate and beautiful forms. ## Footnote They are a major component of phytoplankton in aquatic ecosystems.
28
What are Dinoflagellates?
Single-celled organisms with two flagella, some of which can cause harmful algal blooms. ## Footnote They are important contributors to marine food webs.
29
What is the Endosymbiotic theory?
The theory that eukaryotic cells originated through a symbiotic relationship between different species of prokaryotes. ## Footnote It explains the presence of mitochondria and chloroplasts in eukaryotic cells.
30
Define Envelope in viruses
A lipid membrane that surrounds some viruses, derived from the host cell. ## Footnote The envelope can help viruses evade the host's immune system.
31
What are Exoenzymes?
Enzymes secreted by microorganisms to break down complex molecules in their environment. ## Footnote They are crucial for nutrient cycling.
32
What are Facultative anaerobes?
Organisms that can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. ## Footnote They can switch between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism.
33
Define Filamentous fungi
Fungi that grow in long, thread-like structures called hyphae. ## Footnote They are important decomposers in ecosystems.
34
What are Foraminiferans?
Single-celled protists with shells, commonly found in marine environments. ## Footnote They are used as indicators of past climate conditions.
35
Define Frustule
The silica cell wall of diatoms, composed of two halves. ## Footnote It provides protection and structural support.
36
What is Globigerina ooze?
A type of deep-sea sediment formed from the shells of foraminiferans. ## Footnote It is significant for studying past ocean conditions.
37
Define Glycogen
A storage polysaccharide used by animals and fungi for energy. ## Footnote It is similar to starch in plants.
38
What does HABs stand for?
Harmful Algal Blooms. ## Footnote These blooms can produce toxins affecting marine life and human health.
39
Define Halobacteria
Archaea that thrive in highly saline environments. ## Footnote They are often found in salt flats and salt lakes.
40
What is a Heterocyst?
A specialized cell in some cyanobacteria that fixes nitrogen. ## Footnote It provides a microanaerobic environment for nitrogenase activity.
41
Define Heterotrophic bacteria
Bacteria that obtain their food by consuming organic matter. ## Footnote They play a key role in nutrient cycling.
42
What are Hyperthermophiles?
Archaea that thrive at extremely high temperatures, often above 80°C. ## Footnote They are typically found in hot springs and hydrothermal vents.
43
Define Hyphae
Thread-like structures that make up the mycelium of fungi. ## Footnote They are involved in nutrient absorption.
44
What are Lichens?
Symbiotic associations between fungi and photosynthetic organisms, usually algae or cyanobacteria. ## Footnote They are important for soil formation and as indicators of air quality.
45
What is the Lysogenic cycle?
A viral replication cycle where the virus integrates its DNA into the host cell's genome. ## Footnote This can lead to a dormant state before entering the lytic cycle.
46
What is the Lytic cycle?
A viral replication cycle that results in the destruction of the host cell and release of new viruses. ## Footnote It is characterized by rapid replication.
47
Define Marine snow
Organic debris that falls from the upper layers of the ocean to the seafloor. ## Footnote It provides a crucial food source for deep-sea organisms.
48
What is Nitrogen fixation?
The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by living organisms. ## Footnote It is primarily performed by certain bacteria and archaea.
49
Define Microbes
Microscopic organisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and protists. ## Footnote They play essential roles in ecosystems and human health.
50
What are Microvilli?
Tiny, finger-like projections on the surface of some cells that increase surface area for absorption. ## Footnote They are commonly found in intestinal cells.
51
What does Mixotrophic mean?
Organisms that can obtain energy from both photosynthesis and heterotrophy. ## Footnote This adaptability allows them to thrive in varying environments.
52
Define Mucilage
A gelatinous substance produced by some microorganisms for protection and nutrient absorption. ## Footnote It can also trap nutrients and provide a habitat for other organisms.
53
What is Mycelium?
The network of hyphae that forms the vegetative part of a fungus. ## Footnote It plays a critical role in nutrient absorption.
54
Define Mycology
The study of fungi. ## Footnote It encompasses their classification, biology, and ecological roles.
55
What is Nitrification?
The process by which ammonia is converted into nitrites and then nitrates by bacteria. ## Footnote It is an important step in the nitrogen cycle.
56
What is Nitrogenase?
An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia. ## Footnote It is essential for nitrogen fixation.
57
Define Nucleocapsid
The complete structure of a virus, including its capsid and genetic material. ## Footnote It is critical for the virus's ability to infect host cells.
58
What are Obligate anaerobes?
Organisms that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. ## Footnote They rely on anaerobic respiration or fermentation.
59
Define Osmotrophy
The uptake of dissolved organic compounds through osmosis. ## Footnote It is a common feeding strategy among certain microorganisms.
60
What is Paralytic shellfish poisoning?
A condition caused by consuming shellfish contaminated with saxitoxins. ## Footnote Symptoms can include paralysis and respiratory failure.
61
What are Photophores?
Light-emitting organs found in certain marine organisms. ## Footnote They are used for communication and camouflage.
62
Define Photosynthetic bacteria
Bacteria that can perform photosynthesis to obtain energy. ## Footnote Includes cyanobacteria and purple bacteria.
63
What is a Pseudopod?
Temporary projections of eukaryotic cells used for movement and feeding. ## Footnote Commonly found in amoeboid organisms.
64
What is Radiolarian ooze?
A type of deep-sea sediment made up of the silica skeletons of radiolarians. ## Footnote It is significant for studying oceanic history.
65
Define Radiolarians
Protozoans with intricate silica skeletons, found in marine environments. ## Footnote They contribute to oceanic sediment.
66
What are Saxitoxins?
Potent neurotoxins produced by certain dinoflagellates. ## Footnote They are responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning.
67
Define Stramenophiles
A diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms, including diatoms and brown algae. ## Footnote They are characterized by their unique flagella.
68
What are Stromatolites?
Layered sedimentary formations created by the activity of microorganisms, primarily cyanobacteria. ## Footnote They are among the oldest evidence of life on Earth.
69
Define Symbiosis
A close and often long-term interaction between two different biological species. ## Footnote Examples include mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.
70
What is Viral replication?
The process by which viruses reproduce within a host cell. ## Footnote It can occur through lytic or lysogenic cycles.
71
What are Pathogens?
Microorganisms that cause disease in their hosts. ## Footnote Examples include certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
72
Define Virion
A complete, infective form of a virus outside a host cell. ## Footnote It consists of the viral genome and a protective coat.
73
What is Virology?
The study of viruses and viral diseases. ## Footnote It encompasses virus classification, structure, and replication.
74
Define Viruses
Infectious agents composed of genetic material encased in a protein coat, requiring a host cell to replicate. ## Footnote They can infect all forms of life.
75
What are Zooxanthellae?
Symbiotic algae that live within the tissues of corals and other marine organisms. ## Footnote They provide nutrients through photosynthesis and contribute to coral reef health.

Marine Bio (3 decks)

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