Key Words Biodiversity And Classification Of Micro organisims Flashcards
capsid?
A protein coat surrounding the nucleic material of a virus.
acellular
Non-cellular.
obligate parasite
Forced; a parasitic organism that cannot complete its life-cycle without exploiting a suitable host.
What is a host?
An organism that harbours a parasite.
What is a pathogenic organism?
An organism that causes disease.
What is a bacteriophage?
A type of virus that infects bacteria; the word ‘phage’ means ‘to eat.’
What is a nucleoid?
An irregularly shaped region within the cell of a prokaryote that contains all or most of the genetic material.
What does prokaryotic mean?
An organism where the nuclear material is not enclosed in a membrane.
What does eukaryotic refer to?
Any single or multicellular group of organisms that have a membrane-bound nucleus containing genetic material.
What is a flagellum?
A whip-like, protruding filament that helps cells or microorganisms move; plural of flagellum is flagella.
What does saprophytic mean?
Plant or fungal microorganisms that feed on dead or decaying tissues of other organisms.
What is a plasmid?
A small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that is distinct from a cell’s chromosomal DNA.
What are phytoplankton?
Very small plants (algae) that float on or near the surface of water.
What is zooplankton?
Consisting of small animals and the immature stages of larger animals which float on or near the surface of the water.
What is chitin?
A fibrous substance consisting of polysaccharides, which is the major constituent in the exoskeleton of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi.
