diver p1 Flashcards
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, region, or on Earth as a whole. It includes genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
What is taxonomy?
Taxonomy is the branch of biology that involves the classification, naming, and identification of organisms based on shared characteristics.
What are dichotomous keys?
Dichotomous keys are tools used in taxonomy to identify organisms based on a series of yes/no questions that lead to the correct species.
What are prokaryotes?
Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. They include bacteria and archaea.
What are viruses?
Viruses are non-living entities that require a host cell to replicate. They consist of a protein coat (capsid) and genetic material (DNA or RNA).
What are protists?
Protists are a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms, which include algae, protozoa, and slime molds. They are mostly unicellular but can also be multicellular.
What are archaebacteria?
Archaebacteria are a group of microorganisms that are similar to bacteria but differ in genetic and biochemical properties. They often live in extreme environments.
What are bacillus, diplobacilli, and streptobacilli?
These are types of bacterial shapes:
* Bacillus: rod-shaped bacteria
* Diplobacilli: pairs of rod-shaped bacteria
* Streptobacilli: chains of rod-shaped bacteria
What is a bacteriophage?
A bacteriophage is a virus that infects and replicates within bacteria.
What is binary fission?
Binary fission is an asexual reproduction method in prokaryotes, where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
What is binomial nomenclature?
Binomial nomenclature is the system of naming species using two names: the genus name (capitalized) and the species name (lowercase), e.g., Homo sapiens.
What is a capsid?
A capsid is the protein shell that surrounds the genetic material of a virus.
What are coccus, diplococcus, tetrad, sarcina, streptococci, and staphylococci?
These terms describe bacterial shapes and arrangements:
* Coccus: spherical-shaped bacteria
* Diplococcus: pairs of spherical bacteria
* Tetrad: a group of four cocci
* Sarcina: a group of eight cocci
* Streptococci: chains of cocci
* Staphylococci: clusters of cocci
What are cyanobacteria?
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic bacteria that can fix nitrogen. They are often called “blue-green algae,” though they are not true algae.
What is a dichotomous key (spider vs. numerical)?
A dichotomous key is used for identifying organisms. A spider key uses a branching structure, while a numerical key uses numbered steps leading to identification.
What is diversity (structural, genetic, species)?
Diversity in biology refers to:
* Structural diversity: differences in the physical features of organisms
* Genetic diversity: variations in the genetic makeup of organisms
* Species diversity: the variety of species in a given area
What are eubacteria?
Eubacteria are the “true” bacteria, distinguished from archaebacteria by differences in genetic material and cell wall composition.
What is a facultative anaerobe?
A facultative anaerobe is an organism that can survive with or without oxygen, using oxygen when available but also capable of anaerobic metabolism.
What is a halophile?
A halophile is an organism that thrives in high-salt environments.
What is a kingdom in taxonomy?
A kingdom is one of the highest taxonomic ranks used to classify organisms, e.g., Animalia, Plantae, Fungi.
What is the lytic cycle/viral reproduction?
The lytic cycle is a method of viral reproduction where a virus infects a host cell, replicates inside it, and causes the host cell to burst, releasing new viruses.
What is a methanogen?
A methanogen is an archaebacterium that produces methane gas as a byproduct of metabolism, often found in anaerobic environments.
What is an obligate aerobe?
An obligate aerobe is an organism that requires oxygen to survive and grow.
What is an obligate anaerobe?
An obligate anaerobe is an organism that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen and may be harmed by it.
What is peptidoglycan?
Peptidoglycan is a polymer that forms part of the cell wall in most bacteria, providing structural support and shape.
What is phylogeny?
Phylogeny is the evolutionary history and relationship of an organism or group of organisms.
What is a plasmid?
A plasmid is a small, circular DNA molecule found in bacteria that can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA.
What is a saprobe?
A saprobe is an organism that feeds on dead or decaying organic matter, playing an important role in decomposition.
What is a thermophile?
A thermophile is an organism that thrives at high temperatures, often found in environments like hot springs.
What are vibrios, spirilla, and spirochete?
These are bacterial shapes:
* Vibrios: comma-shaped bacteria
* Spirilla: spiral-shaped bacteria with rigid bodies
* Spirochetes: spiral-shaped bacteria with flexible bodies
