Prokaryotic Structure & Function
The domain(s) that include prokaryotic organisms.
What are Bacteria and Archaea?
This process transfers DNA directly between two bacterial cells via a pilus.
What is conjugation?
A prokaryote that uses light for energy and CO₂ as a carbon source is called this.
What is a photoautotroph?
Prokaryotes that break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients are called this.
What are decomposers?
Bacteria or archaea that cause disease are termed ___.
What are pathogens?
The polymer found in most bacterial cell walls that helps maintain shape and resist bursting.
What is peptidoglycan?
Uptake of foreign DNA from the environment describes this.
What is transformation?
These bacteria perform oxygen-producing photosynthesis.
What are cyanobacteria?
A mutually beneficial interaction between prokaryotes and their host is called ___.
What is mutualism?
This phenomenon occurs when bacteria evolve the ability to survive antibiotic treatment.
What is antibiotic resistance?
The staining technique used to distinguish bacteria based on cell wall composition.
What is a Gram stain?
DNA transfer between prokaryotes mediated by viruses is called this.
What is transduction?
An organism that uses organic molecules for both energy and carbon is called a ___.
What is a chemoheterotroph?
Prokaryotic conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to usable ammonia is called this.
What is nitrogen fixation?
Beneficial bacteria in the human gut that aid digestion are examples of this type of interaction.
What is commensalism OR mutualism?
The dormant, highly resistant structure some bacteria form under harsh conditions.
What is an endospore?
Name one reason prokaryotes have high levels of genetic diversity.
What is rapid reproduction OR mutation OR gene transfer?
An organism that must use oxygen for respiration is known as this.
What is an obligate aerobe?
Prokaryotic communities held together with extracellular matrix, often found on surfaces.
What are biofilms?
Prokaryotes used to clean up environmental pollutants are part of what field?
What is bioremediation?
Archaeal cell walls lack this molecule.
What is peptidoglycan?
Movement of genes between unrelated prokaryotic species is termed this.
What is horizontal gene transfer?
These archaea thrive in extremely salty conditions.
What are extreme halophiles?
This metabolic type uses light for energy but cannot fix carbon.
What is photoheterotrophy?
This prokaryotic-derived system revolutionized gene editing technology.
What is CRISPR-Cas?